The Apple vs. Epic ruling isn’t just about payment links—it’s a turning point for how platforms operate. While Apple shouldn’t take 30%, expecting 0% isn’t fair either. If platforms can’t earn from hosting apps, they’ll build their own or limit access. This ruling may unlock new paths for developers, open the door to crypto payments, and redefine how we think about platform value and control.

Consumers aren’t hiding their fakes anymore—they’re flexing them. The rise of the self-aware dupe buyer is flipping the luxury script. It’s not about getting tricked; it’s about opting out of overpriced narratives and proudly signaling style on their own terms. In Part 2, we explore why labeled fakes are gaining social credibility—and what that means for the future of brand trust.

OpenAI and Shopify are transforming commerce by bringing product discovery and checkout directly into AI conversations. As chat replaces traditional browsing, brands must rethink how they engage customers and stand out in a world where buying happens in a single prompt.