Upwardly Mobile - API & App Security News

By: Approov Limited
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  • Summary

  • Dive into the high-stakes world of mobile app development and API security with Upwardly Mobile, your ultimate guide to defending apps in today’s volatile digital landscape. Hosted by Skye Macintyre and George McGregor, and proudly sponsored by Approov, the leaders in mobile app attestation and API security, this podcast unpacks the evolving threats and innovative solutions shaping mobile security.Explore why the built-in protections from tech giants like Apple, Google, and Huawei often fall short, leaving sensitive data vulnerable. Learn how advanced techniques—like runtime attestation and dynamic API security—thwart attackers and secure your app ecosystem. Each episode delivers insights into major data breaches, emerging trends, and actionable strategies to fortify your apps and APIs against ever-advancing cyber threats.From development best practices to navigating compliance and regulation, Upwardly Mobile equips mobile developers, security professionals, and tech enthusiasts with the knowledge to safeguard their creations. Stay informed, stay secure, and stay ahead with expert guidance on the future of mobile cybersecurity.Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and elevate your security game!
    2024 Approov Limited
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Episodes
  • The Coalition for App Fairness - Japan's SSCPA Law

    The Coalition for App Fairness - Japan's SSCPA Law
    Jan 15 2025
    Episode Title: The Coalition for App Fairness:
    • Welcome to today's discussion on the app store ecosystem and the challenges of anti-competitive policies imposed by tech giants like Apple and Google.
    • We will explore how these companies' practices affect developers and consumers.
    The Problem: A Broken Marketplace
    • Apple and Google charge up to 30% on most in-app purchases, which is significantly higher than transaction fees in any other industry.
    • This "app tax" impacts consumer spending power and significantly reduces developer revenue.
    • This fee creates an unfair competitive advantage for Apple's own apps that compete with third party apps, as they do not have to pay this tax.
    • Some developers have been forced out of business due to these fees, with one developer describing it as a "nuclear bomb".
      • Example: Treehouse's reading app, iFlow Reader.
    • SEO Keywords: app tax, in-app purchases, revenue, developer, competitive disadvantage
    Lack of Consumer Freedom
    • The Apple App Store and Google Play Store act as "prisons" for consumers and developers, limiting options and competition.
    • Unlike personal computer software, mobile apps are restricted to their respective app stores.
    • Consumers cannot freely install software from any source they choose.
    • App developers are not allowed to inform customers about less expensive options outside the app store.
      • Example: Fortnite upgrades cost less when purchased directly from Epic.
    • This is akin to a store preventing a brand from offering coupons.
    • SEO Keywords: consumer choice, app store restrictions, monopolistic behavior, software distribution
    Anti-Competitive Policies
    • Apple and Google use their operating system control to favour their own products and limit options for consumers.
    • They force developers to sell via their app stores and may steal ideas from competitors.
    • The Coalition for App Fairness believes all developers are entitled to compete in a fair marketplace.
    Coalition for App Fairness Vision
    • The Coalition for App Fairness advocates for the following principles for app stores:
      • Developers should not be required to use an app store exclusively or use the app store's ancillary services.
      • Developers should not be discriminated against or blocked from the platform.
      • Developers should have access to the same information and interoperability interfaces as the app store owners.
      • Developers should always have access to app stores as long as they meet fair standards.
      • A developer's data should not be used to compete with them.
      • Developers should have the right to communicate directly with their users.
      • App store owners should not favour their own apps or services.
      • Developers should not pay unfair fees or be forced to sell anything they do not wish to.
      • Third-party app stores should be allowed on the platform.
      • App store rules should be transparent.
    • SEO Keywords: app store principles, fair marketplace, developer rights, platform competition
    The Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act (SSCPA)
    • Japan is moving towards the enforcement of the SSCPA to promote fair competition, drive innovation, and offer more choices.
    • The law will regulate platform operators with over 40 million monthly users.
    • The SSCPA is designed to help businesses invest in new technologies without facing regulatory uncertainty.
    • The Japanese Fair Trade Commission will ensure the SSCPA is implemented effectively.
    • The law's success will depend on businesses leveraging it to create new opportunities.
    • The idea that measures in place by app stores ensure user security and privacy has been questioned.
    • SEO Keywords: Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act, SSCPA, Japan, fair competition, regulatory enforcement
    Call to Action
    • The Coalition for App Fairness is fighting against the monopolistic control of the app ecosystem.
    • Developers can join the Coalition to support consumer choice and a level playing field.
    • Consumers should expect unlimited choice for where, when, and how they purchase apps.
    Contact Information
    • To become a member, share your story, or for other inquiries: Contact the Coalition for App Fairness
    • Website: appfairness.org
    Links:
    • Coalition for App Fairness Website: appfairness.org
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    21 mins
  • Apple Under Fire: £1.5 Billion App Store Lawsuit

    Apple Under Fire: £1.5 Billion App Store Lawsuit
    Jan 13 2025
    Upwardly Mobile: Apple Under Fire: £1.5 Billion App Store Lawsuit

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we delve into the groundbreaking £1.5 billion class-action lawsuit that Apple is facing in the UK. We break down the complex legal battle, the arguments from both sides, and what it could mean for consumers and the tech industry as a whole. Is Apple abusing its dominant position in the app market, or is this just another example of opportunistic litigation? We'll explore the details of this landmark case. Key Discussion Points:
    • The Lawsuit: A detailed look at the class action lawsuit filed against Apple, alleging anti-competitive practices related to its App Store. The case claims that Apple forces iOS users to download apps exclusively from its App Store while charging developers significant commissions.
    • The Allegations: The claimants argue that Apple has established a monopoly by requiring developers to use its App Store and that the commissions, up to 30% on purchases, are excessive and unfairly passed on to consumers. These commissions are claimed to be much higher than if alternative platforms existed.
    • Who's Involved?: We cover the key players, including Rachael Kent, the "class representative" from King’s College London, who is leading the case on behalf of 19.6 million UK iPhone and iPad users. The legal teams are led by Mark Hoskins KC and Tim Ward KC.
    • Apple's Defence: Apple has dismissed the lawsuit as "meritless", arguing that its App Store commissions are comparable to other digital marketplaces. They claim that most apps are free and many developers qualify for a reduced 15% commission rate. Apple further argues that the market definition used by the claimants is too narrow.
    • Market Dominance: The claimants argue Apple has entrenched market power in its "ecosystem" of devices and software. Apple disputes that they have a dominant position in the broader digital transaction and device market.
    • The Legal Battle: This is the first case of its kind to reach trial in the UK. The seven-week trial at the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal is being closely watched. The newly appointed CFO of Apple, Kevan Parekh, is expected to testify.
    • Broader Context: This lawsuit is part of a wider trend of legal challenges against Big Tech companies. We also mention other legal actions against Apple, including a £785 million UK lawsuit related to developer fees and a €500 million fine by the European Commission for breaching competition rules relating to music streaming services. There is also a class action lawsuit by Which? against Apple for alleged iCloud Monopoly.
    • Implications: The outcome of this case could have significant implications for app developers, consumers, and other tech companies facing similar antitrust claims.
    Relevant Links:
    • Financial Times Article: https://www.ft.com/content/4781c5b9-c6cb-4c94-8e35-1a5676c0c660
    • MacRumors Article: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/13/apple-1-5-billion-uk-lawsuit-app-store/
    • Lawyer Monthly Article: https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2025/01/apple-faces-1-5bn-class-action-in-uk-over-app-store-commissions/
    Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by Approov, the mobile app security experts. Approov protects your APIs and backend systems from unauthorized access, ensuring the integrity of your mobile services. Learn more at approov.io.
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    16 mins
  • Flexion | Level Up Your Revenue + How to Reduce App Store Fees & Combat Cheating

    Flexion | Level Up Your Revenue + How to Reduce App Store Fees & Combat Cheating
    Jan 12 2025
    Upwardly Mobile | Episode: Level Up Your Revenue: How to Reduce App Store Fees and Combat Cheating Episode Summary: Are you a mobile game developer struggling with the high costs of app store fees and the persistent threat of cheating? In this episode of Upwardly Mobile, we dive deep into strategies to maximise your revenue and protect your games. We'll explore how to navigate the complex landscape of app store fees charged by Apple and Google and introduce innovative solutions to help you keep more of your earnings. We'll also tackle the crucial topic of game security, with a focus on preventing exploits using tools like GameGuardian, which can damage your game's integrity and reputation. Key Topics Discussed:The Financial Burden of App Store Fees: Apple and Google charge substantial fees for in-app purchases, ranging from 15% to 30%. These costs can severely impact a developer's profitability, particularly for smaller studios. We'll discuss how to minimise these costs.Flexion: An Alternative Approach: Learn how Flexion (NASDAQ: FLEXM) offers an alternative to traditional app distribution, allowing you to bypass some of the high fees imposed by major platforms. Flexion enables developers to distribute games across various alternative app stores, such as the Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps, and Amazon Appstore. This approach not only broadens your audience reach but also reduces reliance on high-fee models.Benefits of Using Flexion:Reduced Upfront Costs: Enter alternative markets with little to no upfront investment.Enhanced Revenue: Games distributed through Flexion’s channels have seen an increase in revenue by approximately 10% compared to Google Play.Simplified Integration: Flexion offers a streamlined onboarding process.Expertise in User Acquisition: Flexion aids developers in user acquisition strategies tailored for alternative app stores.Monetisation Strategies: Explore alternative monetisation strategies beyond in-app purchases, such as subscription models, advertising and partnerships, to potentially lower the percentage of fees paid to platform holders. Structuring in-app purchases strategically can also help maximise revenue and minimise fees.GameGuardian and Cheating: The impact of cheating on a game’s reputation and the user experience will be discussed. GameGuardian, a tool that allows users to modify in-game values, is a significant threat.Approov Mobile Security: Discover how Approov Mobile Security can detect and prevent cheating attempts, including those using GameGuardian. Approov provides real-time protection with RASP (Runtime Application Self Protection) and customisable measures. Integrating the Approov SDK is straightforward and provides benefits like fair play, improved reputation, and increased user retention.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Flexion: https://www.flexionmobile.com/Flexion and Digital Turbine Unlock Alternative App Distribution: [https://www.adweek.com/adweek-wire/flexion-and-digital-turbine-unlock-alternative-app-distribut ion-and-superior-monetization-2/](https://www.adweek.com/adweek-wire/flexion-and-digital-turbine-unlock-alternative-app-distribut ion-and-superior-monetization-2/)App Store Publishing Costs: A Complete Breakdown: https://www.knguru.de/en/blog/was-kostet-es-eine-app-im-appstore-zu-veroffentlichenMY.GAMES Expands Markets with Flexion: https://news.cision.com/flexion-mobile/r/my-games-is-latest-big-name-developer-to-expand-its-markets-with-flexion,c4045246Flexion to bring more games from NEOCRAFT to Alternative App Stores: [https://news.cision.com/flexion-mobile/r/flexion-to-bring-more-games-from-neocraft-to-alternativ e-app-stores,c3917837](https://news.cision.com/flexion-mobile/r/flexion-to-bring-more-games-from-neocraft-to-alternativ e-app-stores,c3917837)The Game Developers' Guide to App Store Regulations: https://dev.stash.gg/blog/game-developers-guide-to-app-store-regulationsFlexion signs Gossip Harbor: [https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=bd020aacfb10b3898a11dfeed99bbdb2d&lang=en&sr c=micro](https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=bd020aacfb10b3898a11dfeed99bbdb2d&lang=en&sr c=micro)Approov Mobile Security: https://www.approov.io/Sponsor: This episode was brought to you by Approov Mobile Security, the leading solution for protecting your mobile apps and APIs from threats like cheating and tampering. Visit approov.io to learn more and secure your games today. Keywords: Mobile game development, app store fees, Google Play, Apple App Store, Flexion, alternative app stores, revenue optimisation, tax optimisation, game security, cheating, GameGuardian, Approov Mobile Security, RASP, user acquisition, monetization strategies. Hashtags: #MobileGameDev #AppStoreFees #GameSecurity #Flexion #Approov #GameDev #IndieGameDev #MobileGaming #RevenueOptimization #CheatingPrevention
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    11 mins

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