This week, Proton filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple. They're going after the App Store — calling out its monopoly on app distribution and its grip on in-app payments.
It’s not the first lawsuit. It won’t be the last. But it’s another crack in the wall — and it matters.
If you’re a founder, indie developer, or just someone trying to build on iOS, you already know how this works: You build a great product. Then Apple takes 30% before your user even finishes paying.
Most people just accept it. But maybe we shouldn’t.
What Proton Is Actually Arguing
Proton’s case comes down to a few core ideas:
1. The App Store is a monopoly.
You can’t ship an iOS app without going through Apple. No alternatives, no options.
2. Developers are forced to use Apple’s payment system.
Want to sell a subscription? You have to do it their way — and hand over a chunk of your revenue.
3. Apple favors ad-based business models.
If your product is privacy-first — like Proton’s — you’re at a disadvantage. The system is tilted toward apps that track and monetize users.
4. There’s a censorship problem.
Apple can remove apps for political reasons. That shouldn’t be their call — and it definitely shouldn’t be yours to worry about.
Why This Affects You
This isn’t just about Proton — it’s about whether mobile app monetization and experimentation stay locked inside Apple’s walled garden, or break free.
If you’ve ever tried to A/B test a paywall, run a flash sale, or even just update your onboarding without waiting for App Review — you already know the constraints.
These aren’t small issues. They limit your growth. They kill experiments. They slow you down.
Zellify Is a Way Around It
This is why we built Zellify — not to complain about the rules, but to work around them.
Skip the App Store tax.
With Zellify, subscriptions happen on the web. That means no 30% cut. You keep what you earn.
Move fast. Test faster.
You can change your onboarding, paywalls, pricing — whenever you want. No approval process. Just ship, the web is open.
Know what’s working.
Zellify gives you full-funnel visibility. You see where users came from, what they clicked, where they dropped off. No SKAdNetwork guesswork.
Stay aligned with your values.
If privacy matters to you, Zellify gives you a framework that doesn’t depend on invasive tracking or sketchy data practices.
You Don’t Need Permission
Proton is trying to change the system through courts. That’s one path. But you don’t have to wait.
The web is open. You can build outside the App Store today — and start owning your margins, your funnels, and your product experience.
Zellify helps you do that. The rules are changing. Fast. The ones who adapt now win — the rest get left behind.