“Cook chose poorly” is a line that will likely appear in future history books documenting the tech industry. It’s part of Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ critical commentary directed at Apple this week, where she mandated significant changes in how Apple manages external payments, buttons, and links in applications. This update is required to be implemented immediately. Although Apple intends to appeal, the company has already begun to amend its policies, potentially reshaping the app economy permanently.
In this episode of The Vergecast, we delve into the implications of these recent developments. After some key speaker updates, hosts Nilay, David, and The Verge’s Jake Kastrenakes explore Apple’s long history of private discussions regarding app commissions, highlighting how Gonzalez Rogers felt misled during the process. (Nilay also takes the opportunity to celebrate the recent changes related to “buttons and links.”) We discuss developer reactions to these changes, what new offerings might become available in the App Store, the potential for new apps, and whether Apple has further strategies left in this situation.
Next on the agenda—more discussions about monopolies! Meta and Google are both entangled in legal battles to preserve their business models. Insights are emerging about TikTok’s growing influence, Meta’s overall perspective on competition, and its apprehensions about a potential Google acquisition of WhatsApp. Meanwhile, in a nearby courtroom in the DC District, Google CEO Sundar Pichai passionately argued that the outcome of this trial might threaten the future of Google Search.
For those interested in deeper exploration of the topics covered in this episode, here are some resources to get you started, beginning with information on Apple:
And information regarding the Google and Meta trials:
Finally, in our lightning round:
