Apple added: “The commission charged by the App Store is very much in the mainstream of those charged by all other digital marketplaces. In fact, 84% of apps on the App Store are free and developers pay Apple nothing. And for the vast majority of developers who do pay Apple a commission because they are selling a digital good or service, they are eligible for a commission rate of 15%.”
84% seems extremely high and I'm curious what sort of apps that number includes. Are they mostly free branded apps for ordering coffee etc, in-app purchases that were not included, or just unsuccessful indie apps that never earned a cent?
My colleagues and I have so many mixed feelings and long discussions on the App Store. It provides a high level of safety and convenience, yet is very clear that Apple wants to own the entire customer experience and charge developers at every turn and leave them holding the infrastructure bill.