Three Things about Mobile App Commissions
Mobile app commissions paid by app developers to a monopolist device maker/app store operator are examined. Three results are demonstrated. First, unregulated app commissions are set at a level that maximises consumer surplus. Second, eliminating app commissions will lead to higher device prices. Third, requiring a menu of options for consumers as to how device makers receive subsidies from app developers constrains app commissions in a way that provides a more equal balance between consumer versus app developer interests.
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Copy CitationJoshua S. Gans, "Three Things about Mobile App Commissions," NBER Working Paper 32339 (2024), https://doi.org/10.3386/w32339.Download Citation
Published Versions
Gans, Joshua S., 2024. "Three things about mobile app commissions," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), DOI: 10.1016/j.infoecopol.2024.101114. citation courtesy of 
Joshua S. Gans, 2024. "Three things about mobile app commissions," Information Economics and Policy, vol 69.
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