[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Apple CEO Tim Cook recently drew a line regarding the app market antitrust bills being promoted in various countries, stating that "we do not hold a dominant position in any market." He also hinted that there are "exciting things" in this year's iPhone lineup.
According to Bloomberg News, Apple Insider, and others, CEO Cook said at the annual shareholders' meeting held online on the 23rd (local time), "For over 10 years, the App Store has provided a software revolution for users and an economic miracle for hundreds of entrepreneurs, creators, and developers."
He emphasized, "We are now focused on accelerating the success of the App Store ecosystem and strengthening programs for small businesses," adding, "Apple does not hold a dominant position in any market where we compete."
This was a subtle expression of discomfort in response to criticism that app market operators such as Apple App Store and Google Play, based on their high market share, force their own payment systems (in-app payments) and take a hefty 30% toll. Recently, an app market antitrust bill promoted in North Dakota was rejected in the state senate, but similar bills are being promoted in other states such as Georgia and Arizona, so this movement is expected to spread. In South Korea, the so-called "Google Gapjil Prevention Act (Amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act)" targeting the app market monopolies of Apple and Google is also being discussed.
CEO Cook also expressed confidence about this year. He said, "Looking at the product lineup, there is no better product group with greater future potential than this," directly mentioning key products such as the first 5G iPhone, M1 chip, Apple Watch, as well as software and service portfolios. He did not specifically introduce the lineup to be unveiled soon on this day. However, regarding the iPhone, he hinted at "exciting things," and for computers, "great things."
Additionally, CEO Cook mentioned, "Apple has acquired 100 companies over the past six years," which means about one acquisition every three to four weeks. He added that most acquisitions were for technology and talent acquisition purposes. Regarding questions about gender pay equality issues, he said, "We pay men and women equally worldwide," and "to ensure fairness, we do not ask applicants about their previous salaries." On the topic of supply chain diversification, which has become more necessary since COVID-19, he responded that improvements and changes are being sought across the entire business.
He also revealed plans to produce all products, including iPhones and iPads, using recycled materials after achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This is in response to the recent emergence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a major issue. CEO Cook said, "Another goal is to someday make all products without using anything from the Earth," adding, "I know this is not something that can be done overnight." Previously, Apple included policies to expand the use of renewable parts and recycled materials in its 2017 environmental report. They are also promoting the development of robots capable of disassembling collected iPhones.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
