Proton, the maker of Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and other apps, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the tech giant’s App Store practices are anticompetitive. The suit claims that Apple holds a monopoly in the smartphone, app distribution, and app payment processing markets, and that its fees are “artificial and arbitrary.” Proton is seeking changes to the App Store and monetary damages, which will be donated to organizations fighting for democracy and human rights.
Forecast for 6 months: Apple will likely respond to the lawsuit by emphasizing the benefits of its App Store, such as its strict security and quality control measures. However, Proton’s lawsuit may lead to increased scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices, potentially resulting in changes to its policies or fees.
Forecast for 1 year: In the next year, we can expect to see more developers joining Proton in its lawsuit against Apple. This could lead to a class-action suit against Apple, potentially resulting in significant changes to the App Store and its policies. Additionally, the European Union may take a closer look at Apple’s App Store practices, potentially leading to regulatory changes.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, we can expect to see a significant shift in the way apps are distributed and monetized on mobile devices. Proton’s lawsuit may be a catalyst for change, leading to the development of alternative app stores and payment systems. This could result in a more competitive and diverse app ecosystem, with more choices for developers and users.
Forecast for 10 years: In the next decade, we can expect to see a fundamental transformation of the mobile app market. The rise of alternative app stores and payment systems may lead to a decline in Apple’s market share, potentially resulting in a more open and competitive app ecosystem. This could also lead to increased innovation and creativity in the development of mobile apps, as developers are no longer beholden to Apple’s strict policies and fees.
