Apple Denies Violating Court Order Amidst Ongoing Battle with Epic Games

Apple has vehemently denied allegations of violating a court order governing its App Store practices. According to a report by Reuters, Apple has urged U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland to reject Epic Games’ request to hold it in contempt.

The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Epic Games in 2020, accusing Apple of antitrust violations due to its strict control over the App Store ecosystem, particularly regarding app distribution and in-app purchases. While Epic Games largely lost its case against Apple, Judge Rogers did order Apple to allow developers more flexibility in directing users to alternative payment methods for digital purchases.

Read more: Epic Games Pushes for Competition in Google Play Store After Antitrust Verdict

In response to Epic Games’ claims of violation, Apple filed arguments criticizing what it sees as an attempt by Epic to dictate its business operations and increase its own profitability. Apple highlighted Epic’s desire for free access to Apple’s tools and technologies for developers, characterizing it as an unreasonable demand for micromanagement.

Epic Games, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment on the recent developments. However, it was previously asserted that Apple’s imposition of a 27% fee on developers for certain purchases rendered alternative payment options commercially unusable. Additionally, Epic alleged that Apple restricted certain apps from informing users about alternative payment methods.

The legal battle between Apple and Epic Games has attracted attention from other industry players as well. Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s X, and Match have echoed Epic’s arguments, stating that Apple is in clear violation of the court’s order.

Source: Reuters