alertMar 29, 2026· 1 min read

Apple’s long, bitter App Store antitrust war

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the legal travails of Big Tech, follow Adi Robertson. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started The year was 1998, and reigning

apple is currently facing antitrust scrutiny from regulators and courts across multiple countries. complaints focus on its control over the app store and the fees it charges developers, often referred to as the 'apple tax.' this scrutiny could lead to changes in how indie developers can distribute their apps and the costs associated with it.

for indie developers, this means potential shifts in app store policies that could affect revenue sharing and access to the platform. if regulations push apple to allow third-party app stores or alternative payment systems, it may lower costs for developers. however, until any changes are implemented, the current commission structure remains in place.

developers should stay informed about these developments, as any changes could impact their business models and distribution strategies. monitoring updates from regulatory bodies and industry news will be crucial for adapting to new policies as they arise.

vibe check
apple fought the law for so long that indie devs built entire careers waiting for the commission to drop, and now we're all just vibing in the 27 percent future