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Three things about mobile app commissions

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  • Gans, Joshua S.

Abstract

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 likely 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gans, Joshua S., 2024. "Three things about mobile app commissions," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iepoli:v:69:y:2024:i:c:s0167624524000362
    DOI: 10.1016/j.infoecopol.2024.101114
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gans, Joshua S., 2012. "Mobile application pricing," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 52-59.
    2. Etro, Federico, 2021. "Device-funded vs ad-funded platforms," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    3. Hermalin, Benjamin E. & Katz, Michael L., 2007. "The economics of product-line restrictions with an application to the network neutrality debate," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 19(2), pages 215-248, June.
    4. Walter Y. Oi, 1971. "A Disneyland Dilemma: Two-Part Tariffs for a Mickey Mouse Monopoly," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 85(1), pages 77-96.
    5. Jeon, Doh-Shin & Rey, Patrick, 2024. "Platform Competition and App Development," TSE Working Papers 24-1566, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mobile apps; App store; Commission; Antitrust; Monopoly;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General

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