A case study example: Google Drive App for iOS/iPadOS on Big Sur

[MyopicPaideia]

I have the Big Sur beta, but do not have a DTK to test this on.

One of the use cases I have right now as a 100% iPad Pro user for professional as well as personal use, is the Google Drive app. I like the app on iPad much better than Google Stream for macOS simply because I can access different accounts simply by signing in, and it automagically integrates with the Files app, nothing gets downloaded locally unless in use, etc...

So I am wondering, what you all think the chances are that Google Drive for iPadOS/iOS will be kept available for use on Big Sur when it is finally released to the public and the ASi Mac‘s are released? Will it integrate with Finder app the way it integrates with Files app? Has Apple given developer guidance on these kinds of integration functionalities?

This is actually a bigger, more general question - how many developers will go through their app library and actively opt out of allowing their mobile apps to work on macOS due to wanting to control features, maintain paywall functionalities, etc that currently mihgt be different on mobile vs laptop/desktop platforms? Here I am thinking things along the lines of YouTube, Microsoft Office, Adobe apps, etc.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I can see many developers choosing to opt out if they currently hold sub models, or like to charge considerably more for Mac apps that are based off of iOS apps.

Classic cases; OmniGroup, Cultured Code. The former believes many of its Mac software is worth over £200 when they charge £50 for iPad versions, whilst the latter charges £50 for a Mac app that is identical to the £10 iOS version.

I was hoping Apple's move for iOS software on ARM was part of a plan to break this monopoly, but I guess I was wrong. The chances of the above devs allowing us to spend a fraction of our money on cheaper software is next to zilch.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I was hoping Apple's move for iOS software on ARM was part of a plan to break this monopoly, but I guess I was wrong. The chances of the above devs allowing us to spend a fraction of our money on cheaper software is next to zilch.

Yeah, they couldn’t bite the hand that feeds them that hard - at least they did take the step to require an active opt out.

 

[Ritsuka]

macOS supports the same FileProvider framework that is used on iOS. I don't know if it's fully tested and if Google thinks it's good enough to use on their macOS app.