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  • Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch Sales Decline

    For two years, Apple Watch sales have been falling worldwide, according to recent data. The smartwatch, once a must-have gadget, is losing ground to competitors offering similar features at lower prices. Experts suggest Apple needs to introduce exciting new features to win back customers.

    Ideas like better health tracking, such as blood pressure monitoring, or a fresh design could help. Without these changes, Apple risks falling behind in the fast-moving wearable tech market. The company’s focus on small updates hasn’t been enough to keep users hooked, and many are choosing other brands that feel more innovative or affordable.

    Epic Games’ Fight with Apple

    Meanwhile, Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $1 billion battling Apple’s App Store rules, says CEO Tim Sweeney. The five-year legal fight challenged Apple’s control over in-app payments, costing Epic millions in legal fees and lost iOS revenue.

    Despite the huge price tag, Sweeney believes it was worth it to push for a fairer app market. The recent court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options, a win for Epic. This could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and reduce Apple’s 30% fee on app purchases, benefiting developers and players alike.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple faces challenges on two fronts: reviving the Apple Watch with bold new features and navigating a shifting App Store landscape. Both situations highlight the need for Apple to adapt to stay competitive in tech and gaming markets.

  • Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $100 million fighting Apple’s App Store rules, according to CEO Tim Sweeney. This legal battle, which started in 2020, has cost Epic even more in lost earnings, possibly up to $1 billion since Fortnite was removed from the App Store.

    Despite the high price, Epic won a key victory: a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. This change could save developers money and lower prices for users.

    Epic plans to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store soon, possibly this week, using its Sweden-based account since Apple banned its U.S. account. However, the return isn’t certain, as Apple’s approval is still needed. Sweeney hopes Apple will apply these new rules worldwide, which could end Epic’s lawsuits against them.

    Meanwhile, a new bill in Florida aims to challenge Apple’s control over the App Store. Proposed by Congresswoman Kat Cammack, the App Store Freedom Act would force Apple to allow third-party app stores and payment systems. It also lets users remove pre-installed apps and ensures developers can distribute apps elsewhere without penalties.

    Supported by Epic and others, this bill could further weaken Apple’s grip on its app market. These changes show a growing push to make app stores fairer. While Epic’s fight has been costly, it’s paving the way for more choices for developers and users. Apple plans to appeal the court ruling, so the battle isn’t over yet.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    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.

  • Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    With Mother’s Day coming up on May 11, Apple is rolling out some sweet Apple Pay deals to help you find the perfect gift. From now until May 11, you can save on flowers, jewelry, chocolates, and more at stores like 1-800-Flowers, Pandora, and Godiva. Just use Apple Pay at checkout to grab these discounts.

    Plus, AT&T has a big offer: get up to $1,000 off an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max with a qualifying trade-in and unlimited plan. They’re also throwing in a deal where you can buy two Apple Watches and save $300 if you add a new line. Check out these offers to make Mom’s day special!

    Meanwhile, Epic Games is shaking things up for iOS developers in the EU. They’re launching a program to cover Apple’s fees for developers who sell apps through the Epic Games Store. This move, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, aims to make it easier for developers to offer their apps without worrying about extra costs.

    Epic is also working on bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store and has proposed a truce with Apple to smooth things over. These changes could give developers more freedom and bring more games to your iPhone. Both Apple’s Mother’s Day deals and Epic’s new plan show how companies are finding creative ways to connect with users and developers. Whether it’s saving on gifts or supporting app creators, something exciting is happening in the tech world.

    Source/Via

  • Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    A U.S. judge has called out an Apple executive for not telling the truth in court during a legal fight with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. On Wednesday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Alex Roman, Apple’s vice president of finance, misled the court about a 27% fee the company charged for purchases made outside its App Store.

    This fee, a slight discount from the standard 30%, was introduced after a 2021 court ruling that forced Apple to let developers direct users to alternative payment methods. The judge described Roman’s statements as “deceptive and untruthful,” citing internal emails that revealed Apple had been planning the fee since July 2023.

    She also slammed Apple for failing to fix the false claims and for not following the court’s directive to support fair competition. The case has now been referred to a U.S. attorney to explore possible criminal contempt charges against Roman and Apple.

    Apple said it respects the court’s decision but plans to appeal, arguing it disagrees with the ruling. The court also prohibited Apple from restricting developers’ ability to promote external payment options or charging fees on those transactions.

    Epic Games cheered the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney confirming Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store next week. Sweeney also offered Apple a deal: extend these changes worldwide, and Epic will drop all related lawsuits. This decision is a big victory for Epic Games and could change how Apple manages its App Store, impacting developers and users everywhere.

  • Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    In a major win for Epic Games, a U.S. judge ruled on April 30, 2025, that Apple broke a 2021 court order meant to make its App Store fairer. The order told Apple to let app developers guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. Instead, Apple added new rules, like a 27% fee on outside purchases and warning screens that scared users away from external payments. The judge called this a deliberate move to keep billions in profits and said Apple’s actions were “anticompetitive.”

    The court now bans Apple from charging fees on external purchases or blocking developers from linking to other payment options. Apple can’t control how developers design these links or track user activity outside apps. The judge also referred Apple’s case to federal prosecutors for possible criminal charges, pointing to false statements made by Apple’s finance vice-president, Alex Roman. Apple plans to follow the new rules but will appeal the decision.

    This ruling could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and iPads worldwide, as Epic Games is ready to return if Apple follows the court’s orders. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, celebrated the decision, saying it ends Apple’s high fees, similar to changes in Europe. The case shows Apple’s ongoing struggle to balance its App Store control with growing demands for fair competition.

  • Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    The European Union (EU) is set to charge Apple a small fine for not following the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to Reuters. This law helps keep big tech companies in check, and Apple seems to have slipped up.

    Last year, the EU found that Apple wasn’t playing fair with its App Store rules. Specifically, it didn’t let app makers tell users about cheaper options outside the store. In June, EU competition boss Margrethe Vestager called out Apple for some “pretty big” problems with following the DMA. She wasn’t impressed with the changes Apple made, saying they didn’t meet expectations for a company of its size.

    To fix this, Apple updated its App Store rules in Europe last year. It allowed apps to be sold outside the store and added new payment options. After feedback from the EU, Apple also tweaked its rules in August to make it clearer that developers could share outside deals. These quick updates can be tricky to follow, so developers in the EU can check Apple’s website for the latest rules.

    The DMA lets the EU fine companies up to 10% of their yearly global sales, but Reuters sources say the focus is on getting companies to follow the rules, not hitting them with huge penalties. Things might also shift because U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries fining American firms like Apple. Plus, with nthe ew EU leadership, the fine might not be as tough as it could’ve been last year. The EU hasn’t set the fine amount yet, but a decision is expected soon.

    Meanwhile, in Brazil, Apple’s facing similar heat. The government there is pushing Apple to allow sideloading—installing apps from outside the App Store. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, plans to bring the game back to iOS in Brazil by July after these changes. Apple has until June to follow Brazil’s rules or face daily fines. Though Apple’s appealing the decision, it may have to adapt, just like it did in Europe, where sideloading is already allowed.

  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

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