App Store Confidential: A Controversial Book that Reveals Apple's Inner Workings
Apple Fights Against Publication Of App Store Confidential Book
If you are curious about how Apple runs its App Store, one of the most influential platforms in the digital world, you might be interested in reading a new book called App Store Confidential. However, you might also have a hard time getting a copy, as Apple is trying to block its publication and distribution.
Apple Fights Against Publication Of \\u2018App Store Confidential\\u2019 Book
In this article, we will explore what the book is about, why Apple wants to stop it, how it has been received by the public and the media, and what are the implications and consequences of the book for Apple and the app industry.
What is the book about?
App Store Confidential is a German-language book written by Tom Sadowski, a former App Store manager who led the App Store for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland from 2014 until December 2019. The book covers Sadowski's work at Apple, including meetings with CEO Tim Cook, according to AppleInsider.
The book is described as a "personal testimonial" that reveals "the secrets of success of one of the most successful companies in history". It also promises to offer "valuable tips for founders, developers, and decision-makers" on how to succeed on the App Store.
The book was published by Murmann Verlag in Hamburg on February 18th, 2020. It is available as an ebook and paperback on Amazon.
Why does Apple want to stop the book?
Apple has sent a cease and desist letter to Sadowski and his publisher, claiming that he has violated his employment contract by revealing "business secrets" that are "of considerable economic value" for the company. Apple also accuses him of disclosing confidential information about Apple's customers, partners, processes, current business situation, and future plans.
Apple has asked Sadowski and his publisher to stop delivering the book to stores, recall all copies in circulation, and destroy all manuscripts of the book. Apple has also threatened to take legal action if they do not comply.
Sadowski and his publisher have refused to sign Apple's injunction. They have argued that they have not disclosed any business secrets or confidential information in the book. They have also said that they have shared the manuscript with Apple in advance of its publication.
Sadowski has expressed his surprise at Apple's response to his book. He has said that he feels his book will benefit Apple more than it will harm it. He has also said that he has written his book with respect and appreciation for Apple.
What are the main arguments of both sides?
Apple's main argument is that Sadowski has breached his contract of employment as an App Store manager, which requires him to keep Apple's business practices confidential. Apple believes that Sadowski's book could damage its competitive edge and reputation on the app market. Apple also claims that it has a right to protect its intellectual property and trade secrets from unauthorized disclosure.
Sadowski's main argument is that he has not revealed any business secrets or confidential information in his book. He believes that his book is a personal account of his experiences and observations at Apple, which do not contain any sensitive or proprietary data. He also thinks that his book is a positive and constructive contribution to the app industry, which could help app developers and entrepreneurs to succeed on the App Store.
How has the book been received by the public and the media?
What are some of the reviews and ratings of the book?
The book has received mixed reviews and ratings from the public and the media. On Amazon, the book has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 29 customer reviews as of June 6th, 2023. Some of the positive reviews praise the book for being informative, insightful, and entertaining. Some of the negative reviews criticize the book for being superficial, boring, and self-promotional.
On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 12 ratings and 4 reviews as of June 6th, 2023. Some of the positive reviews commend the book for being honest, candid, and revealing. Some of the negative reviews condemn the book for being vague, repetitive, and irrelevant.
What are some of the insights and revelations from the book?
The book contains some insights and revelations about how Apple operates its App Store, such as:
Apple has a team of editors who curate and feature apps on the App Store based on various criteria, such as quality, innovation, design, relevance, and popularity.
Apple has a close relationship with some of the top app developers and publishers, such as Facebook, Netflix, Spotify, and Epic Games. Apple often invites them to exclusive events and workshops to discuss their feedback and suggestions.
Apple has a strict review process for apps submitted to the App Store. Apple rejects apps that do not comply with its guidelines, such as apps that contain malware, spam, pornography, violence, hate speech, or illegal content.
Apple has a dynamic pricing strategy for apps on the App Store. Apple adjusts the prices of apps based on various factors, such as demand, supply, competition, seasonality, and currency fluctuations.
Apple has a powerful analytics tool for app developers and publishers called App Analytics. App Analytics allows them to track and measure various metrics about their apps' performance, such as downloads, revenue, retention, engagement, ratings, reviews, and user behavior.
How has the book affected Apple's reputation and image?
The book has had a mixed impact on Apple's reputation and image. On one hand, the book has exposed some of Apple's secrets and strategies on the App Store, which could give its competitors and critics an advantage. On the other hand, the book has also showcased some of Apple's strengths and achievements on the App Store, which could enhance its credibility and influence.
The book has also generated a lot of publicity and controversy for Apple. Some people have praised Apple for being innovative, successful, and customer-oriented on the App Store. Some people have criticized Apple for being secretive, dominant, and unfair on the App Store.
What are the implications and consequences of the book for Apple and the app industry?
How does the book challenge Apple's policies and practices on the App Store?
The book challenges some of Apple's policies and practices on the App Store by raising some questions and issues about them, such as:
How transparent and consistent is Apple's editorial process for featuring apps on the App Store? How does Apple decide which apps to promote or demote?
How fair and balanced is Apple's relationship with app developers and publishers? How does Apple support or hinder their growth and innovation?
How rigorous and reasonable is Apple's review process for approving or rejecting apps on the App Store? How does Apple handle appeals or complaints from app developers or publishers?
How flexible and optimal is Apple's pricing strategy for apps on the App Store? How does Apple determine or influence the value of apps?
How accurate and useful is Apple's analytics tool for app developers and publishers? How does Apple protect or share their data?
How does the book expose Apple's competitive advantages and disadvantages on the app market?
The book exposes some of Apple's competitive advantages and disadvantages on the app market by highlighting some of its strengths and weaknesses on the App Store, such as:
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