Elon Musk has made a number of changes since he acquired Twitter. He faced a backlash over his policies, as some famous people decided to quit Twitter. Recently, Twitter has reinstated the accounts of users banned on the platform, including former President Donald Trump. Musk’s free speech stance could lead to Twitter violating guidelines on various app markets. Moreover, advertisers are withdrawing from the platform which is a big concern.
The Tesla phone has been talked about for a long time but they were just some rumors. However, Elon Musk for the first time on Twitter says he plans to compete with Apple and Android devices if the companies take action against Twitter. There were speculations that Google and possibly Apple may decide to remove Twitter from their platforms “Play Store and App Store”.
Elon replies to a tweet ‘what if Google and Apple decide to remove twitter’.
What’s the reason behind this story
Both companies Apple & Google have not made any official statement or indicated they plan to ban Twitter. Although, they have policies against discrimination, hate speech, etc. The main reason for this debate is the decision of Apple’s head of marketing and App Store, Phil Schiller, to delete his personal Twitter account. No reason was given as to why he deleted his account but it may have something to do with the wave of controversy against Twitter since Musk took office.
Later Elon confirmed this threat in a tweet saying “Apple has also threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won’t tell us why”
Elon had previously said he would not restore any Twitter account without creating a full moderation committee, but later he conducted a Twitter poll about Donald Trump’s account and restored it based on the poll results. More controversies include blue tick subscriptions, chaotic strikes, and of course Elon’s own tweets full of conspiracy theories.
Apple and Google have previously refused to allow apps deemed to violate hate speech and extremism. Parler and Gab are the most famous examples. To say that Twitter is in danger of being kicked out of the app store would be an exaggeration. And of course, Musk’s tweet of a new alternative phone is only a hint of an idea. Twitter can release APKs outside of the Google Play Store for users to download on Android, and installing non-App Store apps on iPhones is difficult but possible if Google and Apple take decisive action on Twitter.
This is not the first-time Musk speaks negatively about both companies, having previously complained about their high fees. Both Apple and Google charge a commission of 15% on subscriptions purchased on their platforms which was reduced from 30%.
Moreover, If Musk’s plan to pay $8 for the Blue tick goes well, Twitter’s revenue will increase, but it’s not the only company that will benefit. Apple and Google will also take advantage of Twitter’s paid subscription plans.
Is it possible to make an alternative?
I think Elon’s tweet for the alternative platform is just a jab in the air. Indeed, he has disrupted established industries in the past. Building a successful third-party mobile platform is not the same as building a Tesla. The problem is the ecosystem of Google and Apple. Powerful companies like Microsoft, Samsung, Huawei, and Amazon have tried to create an alternative to the Google-Apple platforms, but have failed.