Twitter owner and CEO Elon Musk says he will "go to war" with Apple over the cut it takes from all Twitter Blue subscriptions sold via the App Store.
Apple always takes a cut of transactions via its App Store, and Twitter Blue subscriptions are no different. Twitter launched an updated Twitter Blue last month, allowing anyone to get a blue verified checkmark. Unfortunately, the rollout was canned after it became clear that there was an impersonation problem. But it'll be back, and Musk wants to keep his 30%.
pic.twitter.com/uKEY9mVujpNovember 28, 2022
Musk started his new feud with Apple by suggesting that the company is against free speech. It's thought that Apple and Google are already concerned about the content now available on Twitter following Musk's buyout, with some suggesting that the social network's app could be yanked from the App Store.
He then changed tact, pointing to the "secret 30% tax" that Apple applies to App Store transactions for companies that make more than $1 million per year. The secret tax isn't secret at all, of course — as well Musk knows.
However, Musk then tweeted a meme to suggest that he will take Apple to task over the 30% transaction fee, although it remains to be seen what form that protest will take. If Twitter is indeed removed from the App Store, either voluntarily or by force, a huge portion of its user base will be affected.
Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?November 28, 2022
As for why this is happening now, Musk also shared the news that Apple "has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter." Advertisers have been put off the perceived lack of moderation of Twitter since Musk took over, with Apple now confirmed to be one of them.
Musk isn't the first to try to force the issue over App Store fees. Epic Games famously attempted to circumvent the App Store, a move that saw Fortnite kicked off the store. More than two years later, it's yet to return.
