Musk: Apple Threatened to Boot Twitter from App Store
On Monday, Elon Musk claimed that Apple has threatened to remove Twitter from the iOS App Store for unknown reasons. In an earlier tweet, Musk also said the iPhone maker had "mostly stopped advertising" on the platform.
Facts
- On Monday, Elon Musk claimed that Apple has threatened to remove Twitter from the iOS App Store for unknown reasons. In an earlier tweet, Musk also said the iPhone maker had "mostly stopped advertising" on the platform.
- This comes as Musk accused Apple of censorship and monopolistic practices, taking aim at its 30% commission and hinting at "going to war" with the company.
- Some say removal from the Apple App Store would be damaging to Twitter, which has reportedly already seen a loss of advertisers following Musk's $44B takeover and his attempts at expanding its subscription business.
- Advertisers have been alarmed by Musk's Twitter takeover due to concerns that he will allow a proliferation of hate speech on the platform.
- Apple hasn't yet responded to Musk's claim, but the tech giant has removed apps like Gab and Parler from its App Store over concerns about their ability to moderate harmful content.
- According to ad measurement firm Pathmatics, Apple spent an estimated $131k on Twitter ads between Nov. 10 and Nov. 16, down from around $221k between Oct. 16 and Oct. 22, the week before Musk's deal to acquire Twitter was completed.
Sources: Verge, Forbes, CNN, Guardian, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
Narratives
- Right narrative, as provided by Conservative Tree House. The mainstream media has been histrionic since Musk took over Twitter and started implementing changes. They fear increased hate speech and misinformation, but a strong democracy can withstand untrue opinions and outlandish comments without falling apart. Musk's new Twitter marks the end of the Orwellian foundations that the company stood on for years.
- Left narrative, as provided by CNN. A rise in hate speech has emerged since Musk's acquisition, and, as a result, advertisers have rightly started applying pressure. However, whether true or not, this alleged threat from Apple will not even make a dent in the richest man's plans. While some may be willing to toe the line and resist this increasingly toxic digital public square, it’s better just to leave Twitter now.
