Epic Games Wins Against Apple in Antitrust Case, Fortnite May Return
The ruling allows for external payment options in the App Store, potentially reducing Apple's commission fees and promoting a more competitive environment for developers, with Epic Games poised to return Fortnite to the US App Store if the conditions are met.
A US judge has ruled that Apple is in "willful violation" of a 2021 injunction, finding that the company deliberately attempted to create new anticompetitive barriers, paving the way for Epic Games' Fortnite to potentially return to the US iOS app store as early as next week.
The ruling, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, determined that Apple's failure to comply with the injunction was not a mistake, but a deliberate attempt to restrict competition. The judge referred the case to the US Attorney for possible criminal contempt proceedings, citing internal documents that showed Apple knew it was violating the injunction. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced that the company will bring Fortnite back to the US App Store if Apple complies with the court's ruling.
The decision marks a significant victory for Epic Games, which had argued that Apple's commission structure was anticompetitive. Other tech companies, including Spotify, have welcomed the ruling as a victory for developers. Epic Games has proposed a deal to Apple, offering to drop current and future litigation if Apple extends the court's framework worldwide, allowing for friction-free payment options and dropping commission fees.
Apple has responded, stating it will comply with the court's order and appeal the decision. The company has been banned from charging a commission on purchases made outside the App Store due to its anticompetitive behavior. The ruling prohibits Apple from collecting fees on external purchases and restricts the company from controlling how developers direct users to external payment options.
The outcome of this case has significant implications for the tech industry, with potential far-reaching consequences for app developers and consumers alike. As the situation continues to unfold, Epic Games and Apple will likely remain at the center of the debate over antitrust laws and competitive practices in the digital marketplace.