The problem with companies that maintain such an iron grip on the ecosystem is that in the beginning, it seems like that "iron grip" is a feature. Without checks and balances, the company can solve problems and push the ecosystem ahead at a breakneck pace while onlookers cheer the company's incredible efficiency.

But then the problem emerges: what happens when the company no longer makes decisions you like? Suddenly that grip starts feeling less like a feature and more like bug. Apple has put a lot of their revenue eggs in the App Store basket, and given that Apple has more economic pull than most countries, laws aren't going to be particularly effective in preventing them from getting their way: rules have two problems. They require enforcement (which is expensive), and they don't change incentives, so malicious compliance becomes the order of the day.

Developers react to 27% commission with astonishment and anger