I just bought an audio book on audible and realized I had to do it on my Mac because apple prevents payment for content from iPads and iOS, even in web browsers… And it got me thinking, why does apple let me have more freedom to control my environment and make my own choices on Mac but not the iPad?

To be clear, they would remove Audible or any other app from their AppStore if they allowed paying for content using the web on their devices… In effect they’re banning buying any content on their devices without their cut. 

But why are they allowing people to use their Mac for that stuff? What makes a Mac different? I know there’s the history of a Mac being a full computer where you control root, but if it weren’t for historic reasons, why would Apple give more permissions on their computers vs iPads which feel the same in terms of most UI, have the same processors, etc… 

And yes, I know, it’s a problem of control, but most people use iOS devices in developed countries… so we can’t just ignore Apple’s platforms.