Originally Posted By: tonyc
The obvious end game is that either they're pushed toward the App Store (with carrots and sticks as mentioned above) or they're asked to foot the bill for testing of their apps.

As I understand it there is no testing of apps involved in the non-App Store option. You apply for a signing key, you use the key to sign your apps locally.

I don't believe they even intend to attempt to verify who you are. The key is just there to act as a kill switch if any of your apps get reported as malware.

But that said, I agree that over time there will be little tweaks to the setup to encourage people towards the App Store.

FWIW I don't think Apple are primarily pushing people towards the Mac App Store in an effort to make loads of cash. The income from the iOS App Store is dwarfed by their hardware sales and I expect the Mac App Store to be the same.

I think they are doing it because they believe it is a better experience for their customers.
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