SAN FRANCISCO – In a recent interview, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his deep discontent with Apple’s closed policies, arguing that they have directly impacted Facebook’s growth and limited its potential. Zuckerberg’s comments shed light on the long-standing tension between the two tech giants, particularly concerning Apple’s control over the iOS ecosystem and its impact on third-party developers.
The interview, conducted by Ben Thompson, founder of Stratechery, delved into the history of Facebook’s platform and its evolution alongside the rise of mobile devices. Zuckerberg recalled the early days of Facebook, when the platform thrived on a vibrant ecosystem of third-party games and applications, including the once-ubiquitous FarmVille. However, the emergence of the iPhone and Apple’s App Store brought significant changes to Facebook’s operational landscape.
Apple’s Platform Within a Platform Restrictions
Zuckerberg specifically pointed to Apple’s restrictions on Facebook operating as a platform within a platform on iOS. This limitation, he argued, effectively brought an end to the era of FarmVille and other similar applications that had flourished on Facebook’s web-based platform.
The original Facebook platform was really well-suited for the web, and it predated the mobile internet era, Zuckerberg explained. As people shifted from desktop web to mobile, Apple basically said, ‘You can’t build a platform on top of our platform, and you can’t let other apps use your services.’ That was a major blow to us, especially since games and apps were about 20% of our business at the time – but that part of the business basically lost its future.
This restriction, Zuckerberg argued, prevented Facebook from replicating its successful web-based platform on iOS, hindering the growth of its app ecosystem and limiting its ability to innovate.
Facebook’s Own Policy Changes
While Zuckerberg primarily focused on Apple’s policies, he also acknowledged that Facebook itself played a role in shaping the platform’s evolution. In the early 2010s, Facebook implemented its own policy changes, including limiting access to certain APIs, to enhance user privacy, security, and overall experience. These changes, while intended to improve the platform, also impacted the ecosystem of games and applications that had thrived on Facebook.
Deep Discontent and the Future of Mobile Platforms
Despite Facebook’s own policy adjustments, Zuckerberg emphasized his deep discontent with Apple’s policies, arguing that they stemmed from Apple’s direct intervention in Facebook’s operations.
…I think the discontent really stems from Apple’s policies, which have created a deep resentment towards them, especially since they directly told us, ‘You can’t do things that we think are valuable,’ Zuckerberg stated. This situation has somewhat exacerbated the conflict between us, and I think it’s very unfortunate.
Zuckerberg’s comments come at a time when Facebook, now Meta, has also been impacted by Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policy, which limits targeted advertising on iOS. He believes that mobile platforms like iOS should be more open, similar to macOS and Windows, allowing for greater flexibility and innovation for developers.
Conclusion: A Call for Openness and Collaboration
Zuckerberg’s candid remarks highlight the ongoing tension between Facebook and Apple, reflecting a broader debate about the control and openness of mobile platforms. While acknowledging Facebook’s own policy changes, Zuckerberg’s deep discontent with Apple’s closed policies underscores the need for a more collaborative and open approach to mobile development. As the tech industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between platform control, user privacy, and developer innovation will be crucial for fostering a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.
References:
- IT之家. (2024, May 1). 扎克伯格谈自己为何对苹果“深感不满”：封闭政策直接影响 Facebook. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/0/750/360.htm
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