Apple faced a significant loss in its legal fight with Epic Games, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals backed a 2021 decision. The court ruled that Apple’s tight grip on App Store payments breaks California’s laws against unfair business practices.
This case, sparked by Epic’s 2020 lawsuit, criticized Apple’s 30% cut on in-app purchases and its block on other payment options. The ruling opens the door for app makers to guide users to alternative payment systems, sidestepping Apple’s fees.
This could mean lower costs for developers and possibly cheaper apps for consumers. While Apple avoided a harsher judgment—Epic’s claim that Apple runs an unlawful monopoly was dismissed—the decision weakens Apple’s control over its App Store.
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, hailed the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney calling it a victory for app creators everywhere. Apple, defending its policies as vital for user safety, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The clash has already forced changes in how apps manage payments, with more shifts likely on the horizon.
This outcome may push Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions, giving developers greater flexibility. The Epic-Apple showdown is far from over, but it’s already reshaping the world of mobile apps.