iPhone users have had to rely on Apple’s “App Store” to find the software that they want for their mobile devices. The profit potential of iPhone apps encouraged a lot of companies to release interesting, useful pieces of software that many consumers have loved. Until recently, though, Apple had a tiny monopoly that allowed them to control how iPhone owners purchased apps. Those days are over.
Amazon Enters the Apps Market
Amazon has launched its own app store, called the Mac Download Store, that allows iPhone users to purchase software at competitive rates. This is great news for consumers because the competition is expected to force prices lower. Instead of paying about $150 for the Microsoft Office Home & Student 2011 Family Pack via Apple’s store, for instance, you can purchase the package for $115 through Amazon’s store.
This isn’t the first time that Amazon has moved into the apps industry. In March, the company opened its Android App Store to compete with the Android Market. The results were predictable: greater competition led to lower prices for consumers.
Concerns in the App Industry
Android and Apple are understandably nervous about Amazon’s new store. Chances are, though, that this will only improve the app industry. Consumers that are dedicated to Apple will probably continue buying apps through Apple’s store, unless, of course, it means spending a substantially higher price. Consumers that price shop to save every dime possible will now find that they want to purchase more apps because of the lower prices. That’s a boon for Apple in the long run that they company can’t deny.
