For several years, Apple has been at the center of the test and continues to face numerous legal cases. Many of its issues center around its policies regarding how it treats apps in its store. Lately, Apple has extended a kind of olive branch to developers and other partners. However, Apple doesn’t do it because it wants to, it does it mainly because of new European legislation. On different fronts, it looks like new EU laws are targeting Apple. However, the EU has clearly stated that it has no problem with Apple. He just wants to make sure there is healthy competition in the market and not a monopolistic market.
Despite the olive branch Apple extends, many apps don’t have it. In a recent report, some major players claim that the olive branch launched by Apple is the “kiss of death”. Potential and former Apple partners have accused Apple of copying their ideas. However, Apple has always put up a solid defense. It claims it is a big company using unique technology, so it doesn’t have to copy any company.
Apple cripples many third-party apps
This behavior of Apple was revealed by the media as early as 2019. Apple will poach personnel and technology from potential smaller rivals. It will also integrate ideas from third-party developers and make third-party apps “headless”.
The term “sherlock” refers specifically to Apple’s behavior of “copying ideas from other companies”. The origin of the term is also interesting. It first appeared on Apple about two decades ago. The company released a software product called “sherlock” to help users find files and search the Internet on their Mac computers. But after other companies created more features – rich Watson apps, Apple updated the Sherlock app with many of the same features. As a result, “sherlock” became Apple’s exclusive pronoun for “plagiarism and imitation” of ideas from other companies.
Previously, Tech Crunch did an inventory of Apple’s “sherlock” app during WWDC in 2022. Here’s a partial list of software:
- Camo: Allowing users to use the iPhone as a webcam, Apple later introduced the Continuity feature.
- Klarna, Clearpay and other apps: Apple then launched the Apple Pay Later service.
- Remove.bg: Apple launched the Visual Lookup feature.
- Apps like MyTherapy, Pillbox, etc. : Apple has launched a medication record/reminder feature.
- Apps like FigJam from Figma: Apple has updated the collaboration app Freefrom.
- Oura, whoop, and more: Apple has added sleep tracking to watchOS.
Case of Apple with other brands centered on stealing ideas
Accusations that Apple stole ideas from smaller third-party apps have been around for several years. These issues show small developers’ concerns about competing with larger companies. There is also a lack of fair play within the app development community.
1. Hehe
In 2020, the “Hey” messaging app accused Apple of stealing its app idea and using it in its own messaging app. Hey claimed that Apple’s Mail app has a similar feature set and design to its own app. Hey also claimed that Apple’s policies for its App Store were anti-competitive. In his report, he claims that Apple places its own apps over those of third-party developers.
2. Tile
Another example is the “Tile” app, which accused Apple of using a similar feature in its “Find My” app. Tile offers Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices that can be attached to keys, bags, or other personal items. The company says Apple’s “Find My” app is very similar in function to Tile’s own tracking devices. Tile also accused Apple of using its platform to favor its own products over those of Tile.
3. Epic Games vs. Apple
One ongoing legal battle is between Epic Games and Apple. Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, filed a lawsuit against Apple in August 2020. Epic claims that Apple’s App Store policy was anti-competitive and that the company was abusing its monopoly power. He also accused Apple of unfairly favoring its own apps over those of third-party developers.
4. Spotify
Another example of a company accusing Apple of unfair competition is Spotify. Spotify has accused Apple of using its App Store to favor its own music streaming service, Apple Music, over Spotify’s service. Spotify also accused Apple of charging high fees for in-app purchases and using its platform to limit third-party developers’ ability to compete with Apple’s own apps. Spotify’s accusations have led to an ongoing antitrust investigation by the EU, which is investigating whether Apple is abusing its market power to unfairly restrict competition.
Apple’s response
Apple defends itself by stating that it has always been a leader in innovation and has many of its own technologies. Apple also said it respects the intellectual property rights of others. The company also claims to have a robust process for reviewing and approving apps in its App Store. However, despite Apple’s defense, many developers remain concerned about the company’s policies and practices. Some developers have even taken legal action against Apple. They claim the company’s policies are anti-competitive and violate antitrust laws.
Conclusion
Reports of Apple stealing ideas from small third-party apps have been ongoing for several years. These issues show many people’s concerns about competition with big brands and the lack of fairness in the industry. As Apple fights back against these issues, many people are concerned about Apple’s policies and practices. Some players have even taken legal action against Apple, and ongoing litigation, such as the case between Epic Games and Apple. On the face of it, such reports aren’t going away any time soon. Apple is a very big company and uses a lot of technology. So he will probably continue to have these problems from time to time.
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