Apple makes such huge money off of subsidy, I don't think they can make that money back from app commissions. I've heard the subsidy north of $300/phone. That's a LOT of in app and media purchases to get that back in 2-3 years.
Plus remember that the subsidy is on top of the app purchase dollars they make today, since phones with the subsidy still buy apps. There is no real upside to them on this. Sure they make good money on apps, but its hard to replace effectively free money from the carriers.
Plus remember that the subsidy is on top of the app purchase dollars they make today, since phones with the subsidy still buy apps. There is no real upside to them on this. Sure they make good money on apps, but its hard to replace effectively free money from the carriers.