It's possible that this is an approach to deal with the patent troll Lodsys, who claims to own the patent on in-app purchases. I don't say that to let Apple off the hook if it does use the patent offensively, but it was the first thought that came to mind.
EDIT: I should be more clear – Apple is currently trying to "defend" independent developers from Lodsys, and this might be a means to that end.
1 right, does not cancel out 1 wrong. I absolutely agree with the fact that Apple now and then comes to the aid of 'independent developers'.
You have to realize though that these 'independent developers' are always the bread and butter that Apple relies on to fill their IOS and OSX app stores.
I cannot help but smirk when people defend Apple for being some Altruistic entity that 'for the greater good' defends the 'little people'.
Seriously. I am not saying they are malicious, but please, realize that Apple is not 'Your friendly mom and pop computer shop'.
Appple is one of the most profitable and largest businesses in the world. On a scale from 'My mom's shop' to Lehman Brothers, they are WAY closer to Lehman Brothers!!
Lehman may not be the best example in this case, but I agree that Apple is in business to make money. There's no question that their strategy vis-a-vis their developers is to do the least amount necessary to avoid a chilling effect on the ecosystem around iOS.
EDIT: I should be more clear – Apple is currently trying to "defend" independent developers from Lodsys, and this might be a means to that end.