In addition to hardware, Apple also focuses on software development, from its operating systems to native apps to various services. The software plays a crucial role in the proper functionality of the products themselves and, more importantly, the ecosystem as a whole.
However, applications are often not cross-platform, so the rule is simple — they are available exclusively for Apple systems. This opens up a discussion among Apple fans with a basic question.
Why doesn’t Apple make multiplatform apps, or why doesn’t it want to release them on competing platforms? There are several ways to look at this. At the same time, we should certainly not forget that some apps are multiplatform and can be worked with outside the Apple ecosystem.
For example, Apple Music (Android), iTunes (Windows) or iCloud (web). So let’s look at the main reasons Apple isn’t rushing into releasing apps for competing platforms.
Easier and cheaper development
This goes hand in hand with the fact that it can make Apple’s job significantly easier. It is currently focusing on one unified ecosystem in terms of development, which makes development much easier. This also allows it to target user needs better and respond promptly.
The giant could slow down significantly by extending applications to other platforms, as it would have to optimise the software for multiple systems.
Of course, we cannot forget the well-known statement — time is money — which is also true. Not only would multi-platform apps take more time to develop, but they would also not be accessible.
Apple, as a hardware company
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that Apple is primarily a hardware company that focuses on developing its phones, tablets, computers, and other devices. It also develops software for these products, which already clarifies the first point—the software is designed for Apple hardware.
It is more or less logical why apple applications do not reach competing platforms. Such a decision wouldn’t make complete sense, and it would also take away a rather powerful weapon from Apple in the form of some exclusivity.
But as we mentioned above, some apps are available from competitors. Specifically, we mentioned Apple Music for Android or iTunes for Windows. On the other hand, these must also be available from competitors.
For example, an Apple user who uses Android for work does not have to subscribe to two music platforms and can listen to music without any restrictions.
The same is true for iTunes. iPhones are much more widespread than Apple computers, so you need to be able to manage them from within the most popular Windows environment.
The closed nature of the Apple ecosystem
At the same time, we should remember the approach that Apple has been taking for several years. The Cupertino giant is well known for its closedness, or rather the closedness of its operating systems. This goes hand in hand with the exclusivity above.
So if you’re interested in some Apple apps, then Apple is giving you a clear signal — switch to an Apple device. From this point of view, apps can be seen as a tool to keep apple users locked within the apple ecosystem. The best examples are the iMessage and FaceTime communication services.
They have been talking about potential expansion to other platforms for years, while it is clear to everyone that we will not see this change soon. The Cupertino giant is very aware of these apps’ power and uses them to keep Apple users within its ecosystem.
Apple Ecosystem coherence
Lastly, let’s take a look at the ecosystem itself. One of the biggest advantages of apple products is that they can communicate with each other so well. The iCloud service, which handles automatic data syncing, is important.
This allows us to work on our iPhone one moment and then move to our Mac to continue our work. In this respect, we refer to an earlier point about easier development targeting Apple platforms.
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