The News
Apple was banned from charging US customers commission on purchases via third-party apps and from making it difficult to buy from other stores.
The order by a district judge represents a major defeat in the tech giant’s dispute with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, which said Apple was illegally restricting competition. Apple takes up to 30% on purchases in its apps: A 2021 ruling said it had to allow developers to provide alternatives, but Apple instituted a commission on those purchases too.
The judge in the Epic case said the company had “wilfully” disobeyed her, and warned it may face criminal contempt proceedings. It follows a European Union ruling forcing Apple to open its app ecosystem to other developers.
“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal,” an Apple spokesperson said.