Apple's App Store problem
If Apple doesn't want the government to control the App Store, something needs to change, and soon.
Apple wants to maintain control of the App Store. It says that it is the only entity capable of ensuring the App Store remains safe, secure, and useful for its customer base.
While I'm sure Apple does a lot of work to police the App Store already, there's clearly a problem. I'm not here to say "Apple bad" or whatever, but I want to point out the flaws in the system.
One of Apple's favorite things to do whenever you bring up scam apps or illegal content in the App Store is to share metrics. It leans on how many apps were removed for violating rules or how many never make it in the first place.
I shared what I thought was an apt comparison on the AppleInsider Podcast: It's like a fireman saying they put out 179 fires this year while standing in front of a burning house.
It's great that so much work is being done and has been done, but let's discuss what's making it through. It's not one or two oopsies, it's dozens of apps with functionality that isn't allowed on the App Store and in many cases, is outright illegal.
To top it off, these apps are raking in cash in the millions. Apple takes a cut off the top too, plus advertising.
Things might not look great today, but I do believe Apple is still the best entity to manage the App Store. If governments decide how it is managed, it will be a disaster.
So, just as I said with the App Store commission problem, Apple must present a solution. This situation may not be its fault, but it is its problem. There's no waiting in the wings for it all to self-regulate.
The advent of AI vibe coding is only going to make matters worse. Improvements to App Review are long overdue.