How Apple tax makes users the scapegoat

In today's era of rapid technological development, smartphones have become an indispensable part of people's lives. As a globally renowned technology giant, Apple has a huge user base for its products in the market. However, Apple's "Apple Tax" has caused dissatisfaction among many users, who even feel like they have become the scapegoat.

The so-called 'Apple tax' refers to a certain percentage of fees charged by Apple Inc. for in app purchases on its App Store. Normally, this proportion is 30%. This means that when users make purchases within an app, such as purchasing virtual goods, subscription services, etc., Apple will deduct 30% of the cost. This approach has sparked widespread controversy, let's delve into why Apple's unethical practices have made users the scapegoat.

Firstly, from an economic perspective, the 'apple tax' directly increases the consumption cost for users. Taking a popular game as an example, suppose a user purchases a virtual item worth 100 yuan within the game. Due to Apple's 30% "Apple Tax", developers may increase the price of props to around 142.86 yuan to ensure their own profits. In this way, users need to pay an additional 42.86 yuan to obtain the same virtual item. For users who frequently make purchases within the app, this is undoubtedly a significant additional expense. Moreover, this cost increase is not due to the value enhancement of the product itself, but rather due to Apple's charging policy, where users unknowingly become the target of harvesting.

Secondly, the 'Apple tax' restricts market competition and damages users' right to choose. In the App Store, developers may need to consider the cost of the "Apple tax" and make adjustments in pricing, service content, and other aspects. This may lead some developers to choose to increase prices or reduce service content to ensure their profits. For users, this means they face higher prices and fewer choices when choosing applications and services. At the same time, some developers may choose not to list their apps on the App Store or choose other platforms to publish them because they cannot afford the cost of the "Apple tax". In this way, users are unable to enjoy more high-quality applications and services in the App Store, limiting their choices.

In addition, the 'apple tax' also has unfairness. On the one hand, Apple charges the same percentage of fees for different types of applications and services, without considering differences in their cost structure and profitability. For some small developers, a 30% "Apple tax" may be a heavy burden, while for some large enterprises, it may be relatively easy to bear. On the other hand, Apple's own applications and services do not need to pay the "Apple tax", which creates an unfair competitive environment. Users do not need to bear additional fees when using Apple's applications and services, but they are required to pay an "Apple tax" when using applications and services from other developers. This unfairness not only harms the interests of users, but also hinders the healthy development of the market.

Furthermore, there are also issues with Apple's method of collecting the "Apple Tax". Apple requires developers to use their designated payment channels for in app purchases, otherwise they will not be able to be listed on the App Store. This approach not only limits developers' choices, but also prevents users from using other more convenient and secure payment methods.

Finally, Apple's explanation and response to the "Apple tax" are also unsatisfactory. Apple claims that the "Apple Tax" is aimed at maintaining the ecosystem of the App Store, providing better user experience and security. However, this statement is difficult to convince the public.

In summary, Apple's "Apple Tax" has made users a scapegoat. This unethical practice not only increases users' consumption costs, limits market competition and users' choices, but also has unfairness and security risks. Apple should seriously reflect on its charging policy, adjust the proportion and collection method of the "Apple Tax" reasonably, and provide users with more fair, reasonable, and convenient applications and services.