Apple (AAPL) threatened to withhold Twitter from App Store says Musk

Elon Musk said in a series of tweets on Monday that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store without providing a reason why.

The Twitter owner and Tesla CEO tweeted: "Apple has also threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won't tell us why."

In other tweets, Musk revealed that Apple has "mostly stopped advertising on Twitter," asking followers if "they hate free speech in America?" He tagged Apple CEO Tim Cook below that tweet and also replied to a follower regarding free speech, stating: "Secret suppression of free speech by Apple. Customers were never told. What the hell is going on here?"

Removing the Twitter app from Apple's app store would mean Twitter loses one of its primary distribution platforms.

Musk also took aim at Apple App Store fees, labeling them a "secret tax" and then running a poll asking if "Apple should publish all censorship actions it has taken that affect its customers." So far, the votes are 85.7% yes.

Apple charges iPhone app makers between 15% and 30% of any digital goods sold through their apps, and with Musk introducing the Twitter Blue subscription, which is also offered through the iPhone app, it could mean the social media giant has to pay a significant amount to Apple depending on the success of the subscription service with Apple users.

Tech giant Apple's share price declined 2.6% to $144.22 during Monday's session.

By Sam Boughedda

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