They’re not actually relinquishing any control. They’re just allowing subsidiary “app stores” to take a tiny cut while Apple still controls everything.
I’ve been an Apple fanboy for years, but less so these days. I can’t imagine that the EU won’t fine them for this, although it’s hard to imagine any fine that would make an impression on a $3 trillion company.
Can the US government do the same?
At one time, they could’ve. These days, after decades of takeover by Repugnicans and their Chamber of Commerce masters, I doubt it. Even if they still can, the real question is “Will they?”
Unfortunately we’re not a government of and for the people anymore were government of the corporations. Literally nothing gets done anymore without paying the corporation’s off in favors.
We’re approaching the point at which we’re so corrupt that were no longer trying to hide it.
Any one of these companies has more than enough money to buy any outcome they want and US politics is designed to take that money.
It’s sad but true. Until we get money out of politics (Citizen United), we won’t get out of this mess.