Via oreillyradar:

Nice analysis.

It is a brilliant countermove. Apple is basically saying, “Let the subscriber decide,” knowing full well they will choose iTunes. After all, it’s simply easier for consumers to subscribe to digital publications from one place.

On a related note: This latest brouhaha over pricing and data and subscribers is a reminder that publishers should diversify beyond the App Store (or app store). The App Store needs to be one distribution channel among many.

All these rags-to-riches stories are nice, but the true genius of the App Store is the platform. Apple is taking a 30% fee for lightning in a bottle success. Unreal (in a good way).