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Apple's App Store Battle Intensifies 🍏
Ryan Serkes
February 25, 2025
The
Daily Trade
Hey Daily Traders,
Apple's ongoing legal clash with Epic Games over App Store fees is heating up, as Apple's Phil Schiller reveals his initial opposition to charging commissions on alternative payment systems. This case could reshape the app economy, potentially impacting developers and Apple's revenue model if antitrust violations are confirmed.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Holmes' conviction for defrauding Theranos investors remains intact, underscoring the perils of unchecked ambition in Silicon Valley. Alongside these developments, organized crime's targeting of freight trains, U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil trade, and Starbucks' corporate job cuts highlight significant challenges and shifts across industries, reflecting broader economic and geopolitical dynamics.
Here's what's happening today:
- 📉 Apple's app store fees under scrutiny in court.
- ⚖️ Elizabeth Holmes' appeal denied, remains in prison.
- 🚂 $2M in Nikes stolen from freight trains.
- 🛢️ U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil trade tighten.
- 💼 Starbucks to lay off 1,100 corporate employees.
Question
Do you think Apple's potential antitrust violations will lead to significant changes in how app stores operate, or is this just a bump in the road for tech giants?
Reply to this email with your answer
Stock Market Apple executive Phil Schiller admitted to initially opposing the fees Apple charges for in-app transactions processed outside its payment system. This admission came during a legal battle with Epic Games, which accuses Apple of maintaining an illegal monopoly over its App Store. Although a previous court ruling rejected the monopoly claims, Apple was ordered to allow developers to display links to alternative payment options. Schiller's testimony revealed his concerns about the compliance and collection risks associated with imposing fees on these alternative transactions. Despite Schiller's initial reluctance, Apple eventually implemented a commission structure for alternative payment systems. However, Epic Games argues that Apple has created hurdles to discourage developers from using these alternative options. The ongoing hearings will determine whether Apple needs to make further changes to its payment system. This legal battle could have significant implications for app developers and Apple's revenue model, as the court considers whether Apple's practices violate antitrust laws. Key Takeaway
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Stock Market  Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, has failed to overturn her fraud conviction, as a federal appeals court upheld her conviction for defrauding investors. Holmes, who claimed her company had developed groundbreaking blood-testing technology, was found guilty of making false claims about the device's capabilities. Her former partner, Sunny Balwani, also had his conviction upheld, and both are required to pay $452 million in restitution. Holmes' appeal argued that there were legal missteps during her trial, but the court found no major errors. Holmes, now serving an 11-year sentence, rose to fame in Silicon Valley, attracting significant investment and high-profile board members. The case has been widely publicized and dissected in various media, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of due diligence in investment. Key Takeaway
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Stock Market  A series of thefts targeting freight trains in California and Arizona has resulted in the loss of over $2 million worth of Nike sneakers. The heists involved cutting air brake hoses on trains to steal unreleased sneakers, including the Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4s. Authorities are investigating multiple incidents, with eleven suspects charged in connection to a January burglary in Arizona. The thefts highlight a growing problem of organized crime targeting cargo trains, costing the freight industry over $100 million annually. Despite investments in security measures, the vast network of rail tracks makes it challenging to prevent such crimes. The rail industry is calling for increased federal enforcement and tougher penalties to deter these thefts. Key Takeaway
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Stock Market  The U.S. government has imposed additional sanctions on individuals and oil tankers involved in Iran's oil trade, aiming to curb Iran's ability to finance militant activities. This move targets entities across China, the UAE, and India that are believed to be facilitating Iran's oil sales. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, as previously called for by former President Donald Trump. These sanctions reflect ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The U.S. Treasury and State Departments have emphasized the need to hold Iran accountable for its actions, while critics argue that such measures could further destabilize global oil markets and increase geopolitical tensions. Key Takeaway
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Stock Market Starbucks has announced plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees worldwide as part of new CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to streamline operations. This decision comes amid a broader strategy to improve efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions. The layoffs are expected to affect various departments within the company, though specific details have not been disclosed. The move reflects Starbucks' ongoing efforts to optimize its business model and maintain competitiveness in the global market. While the company has a strong brand presence, it faces challenges from evolving consumer preferences and increased competition in the coffee industry. The layoffs are part of a larger trend of corporate restructuring as companies seek to adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape. Key Takeaway
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Today's Technical Analysis
RSI Buy | MFI Buy | WillR Buy | AO Buy |
CCI Buy | BBANDS Buy | ULTOSC Buy | STOCH Hold |
RSI Sell | MFI Sell | WillR Sell | AO Sell |
CCI Sell | BBANDS Sell | ULTOSC Hold | STOCH Sell |
RSI Sell | MFI Sell | WillR Sell | AO Sell |
CCI Sell | BBANDS Hold | ULTOSC Sell | STOCH Sell |
RSI Sell | MFI Sell | WillR Sell | AO Sell |
CCI Sell | BBANDS Hold | ULTOSC Sell | STOCH Sell |
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Technical Indicator Information
Relative Strength Index (RSI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30
Money Flow Index (MFI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 80 | Undervalued threshold: 20
Williams Percent Range (WillR) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: -20 | Undervalued threshold: -80
Aroon Oscillator (AO) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 75 | Undervalued threshold: -75
Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) | Period: 26/12/9 days | Overvalued threshold: MACD crosses below MACD Signal | Undervalued threshold: MACD crosses above MACD Signal
Stochastic Oscillator (STOCH) | Period: 14/3/3 days | Overvalued threshold: %K crosses below %D above 80 | Undervalued threshold: %K crosses above %D below 20
Commodity Channel Index (CCI) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: 100 | Undervalued threshold: -100
Bollinger Bands (BBANDS) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: price >= upper band | Undervalued threshold: price <= lower band
Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) | Period: variable 50 - 100 days | Overvalued threshold: SAR crosses above price | Undervalued threshold: SAR crosses below price
Triple Exponential Average (TRIX) | Period: 15 days | Overvalued threshold: TRIX crosses below 0 | Undervalued threshold: TRIX crosses above 0
Ultimate Oscillator (ULTOSC) | Period: 28/14/7 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30
Directional Movement Index (DMI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: PlusDI crosses below MinusDI | Undervalued threshold: PlusDI crosses above MinusDI
Average Directional Index (ADX) | Period: variable 14 days | Requirement: >= 25
Analysis is only performed on securities with market caps in excess of $100 million and with daily trade volume in excess of $50 million.
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