Elon Musk’s Twitter has been removed from the Apple App Store, raising eyebrows across the tech industry. The decision, effective immediately, comes amid Musk’s ongoing criticism of Apple, particularly regarding its App Store fees, which he previously described as exorbitantly high. This move marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tension between Musk and the tech giant.
While Apple has removed various apps in the past, the removal of Twitter holds particular weight given Musk’s influence and the app’s prominence in social media. Critics speculate that the decision is rooted in Apple’s concern over Twitter’s recent content moderation practices, which have reportedly deteriorated since Musk took ownership. The rise in hate speech and misinformation on the platform may have prompted Apple’s decision, as the company mandates stringent content moderation for user-generated content.
Musk has voiced his frustration through a series of tweets, alleging that Apple has threatened to remove Twitter without providing a clear explanation. He also reiterated his grievances about the 30% commission Apple charges developers, a standard industry practice that has sparked discontent among many app creators.
The implications of Twitter’s removal from the App Store are substantial. With Apple being the sole distributor of apps for iPhone users, this action could severely limit Twitter’s accessibility, potentially leading to further financial losses for a platform already grappling with declining advertising revenue and a reported loss of $5 million per day.
As Musk navigates this latest challenge, the future of Twitter remains uncertain. His history with Apple, marked by both criticism and admiration for its products, complicates the situation. Observers are keen to see how Musk will respond and whether he can find a way to reconcile with Apple, or if this standoff will escalate further. As the tech world watches closely, the situation underscores the high stakes involved in the intersection of social media and platform governance.