The Impact of Apple "Sherlocking" Third-Party Apps
Introduction
Apple's practice of incorporating ideas from third-party developers into its own iOS and Mac features has raised concerns over the potential impact on those third-party apps. This practice, known as "sherlocking," has been a common occurrence at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.
Evolution of "Sherlocking"
- Initially, the integration of popular third-party app features into Apple's software seemed logical for improving user experience.
- However, questions have been raised regarding fair competition and data usage by Apple in determining which features to incorporate.
Categories Affected by "Sherlocking"
- Trail apps, grammar helpers, math solvers, password managers, and emoji makers are among the categories that have been recently "sherlocked" by Apple.
- These categories have collectively generated significant revenue in the past year.
Impact on Revenue and Downloads
- Trail apps, in particular, have accounted for a large portion of potentially impacted revenue and downloads.
- Categories like math solvers and password managers have also seen significant revenue growth.
User Base and Competition
- While dedicated users of third-party apps may resist switching to Apple's offerings, casual users may find Apple's solutions "good enough."
- Continued innovation and user engagement by third-party apps could help them compete with Apple's built-in features.
Future Outlook
- Apps that offer unique features beyond what Apple provides and leverage new avenues for user engagement, such as through improved Siri integration, may have a competitive edge.
In conclusion, Apple's "sherlocking" of third-party apps poses challenges for developers, but opportunities exist for those who innovate and differentiate their offerings in the market.
