Apple Fails to Stop App Store Reforms in Epic Games Case
Apple has lost its attempt to delay court-ordered reforms to its App Store, following a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court denied Apple’s request to pause key provisions of a federal judge’s decision that compels the tech giant to open its App Store to more competition, part of a long-running antitrust case filed by Fortnite developer Epic Games.
Highlights?
- Court Rejects: The appeals court upheld U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ April ruling, which found Apple in contempt for evading an earlier injunction.
- Reforms Ordered: Apple must halt practices such as its 27% fee on external app purchases and allow developers to link to outside payment methods freely.
- Epic Celebrates Ruling: Epic CEO Tim Sweeney declared the decision as the end of the “Apple tax” in a post on X.
- Apple’s Response: The company expressed disappointment, stating the decision limits its control over core business operations and gives developers free access to its infrastructure.
- Court’s Criticism: Judge Rogers accused Apple of misleading the court and referred the company, and one of its executives—to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt.
- Background: Epic initially sued Apple in 2020 to challenge its tight grip over iOS transactions. While Apple won on most counts in the 2021 ruling, the court ordered it to allow links to external payment options, a directive Apple has been slow to implement.
This marks a major development in the fight over platform dominance and digital market fairness, with regulators and developers watching closely.
