I do not know if there is any truth to the rumor that Apple is considering removing Twitter’s official app from its walled-garden App Store. I do know that such a move would be absolutely ludicrous.
Providing that it does not collude with its competitors — or form a cartel — Apple may do as it wishes within its own ecosystem. Objectively, though, it would struggle mightily to square a decision to remove Twitter from its App Store with the neutral principles by which it insists it curates its commercial channels. To remove Twitter would be a declaration of sorts — that the company had ceased to be run by adults; that it had given in to online hysteria; that it had permitted online silliness to triumph over calm consideration. Under current law, Apple certainly could send all of these signals, and refuse to offer Twitter on iOS. But “can” and “should” are different concepts. I suspect Apple knows that.
And besides, what, exactly, is Apple supposed to achieve by doing it? Please some journalists? Sure, if it so wished, Apple could channel America’s erstwhile “dystopia reporters” and insist that the site as run by Elon Musk is a “problematic” hive of “hatred” and “disinformation.” But, aside from not actually being true — the idea that Twitter has meaningfully changed is a fantasy, peddled by freaks — any such declaration would immediately invite some pretty awkward questions. Questions such as, “Why, then, do you continue to allow the TikTok app on your store?”
And that’s before the government gets involved. That’s not a recommendation on my part; as usual, I remain unconvinced that there is a pressing need for Congress to superintend the major players on the internet. But, alas, I am not typical, and it seems pretty obvious to me that barring the Twitter app from the iPhone — which would be the effect of removing it from the App Store, because, unlike on Apple’s computers, consumers are not able to install (or “sideload”) their own apps on iPhones and iPads — would make federal regulation more likely, not less. Apple’s App Store is already under scrutiny from a bipartisan group of senators — if you like strange bedfellows, check out this list! — and engaging in what would look to some like monopolistic viewpoint discrimination would almost certainly add to their ranks.
And for what? A thumbs up from Taylor Lorenz? The idea is preposterous.