Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, are pushing for Apple to face contempt charges for allegedly violating a judge's order stemming from their 2021 legal battle.
(Photo : Unsplash / Vlad Gorshkov)
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Epic's Allegations Against Apple
According to a report by Bloomberg, Epic Games filed a formal request to a federal judge on Wednesday, asserting that Apple has failed to adhere to the court's directive regarding the inclusion of external payment options within apps. This order came as a result of the legal clash between the two tech giants over Apple's App Store policies, which require developers to use its in-app payment system, subject to a significant commission.
While Apple has indeed allowed third-party apps in the US to incorporate external payment links, Epic contends that the tech giant's imposition of a 27% commission on such transactions, along with additional requirements for developers, renders these options practically unfeasible.
Epic's Plea for Compliance
In its filing, Epic Games argued that Apple's additional fees and stipulations have rendered the inclusion of external payment links "commercially unusable," and it is urging the court to compel Apple to fully comply with the original order. According to Epic's legal counsel, the restrictions imposed by Apple aim to stifle competition and maintain the dominance of its in-app purchasing system, which imposes hefty fees on developers.
Apple's Response and Recent Developments
Apple, on the other hand, maintains that it has fully complied with the court's order, asserting that its regulations are necessary to safeguard user privacy and security, maintain the integrity of its ecosystem, and streamline the app review process. However, the option to include direct payment links is limited to the US market, with developers outside the country prohibited from implementing similar features.
This latest legal skirmish is just one chapter in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple. The dispute began in 2020 when Epic attempted to bypass Apple's in-app payment system in Fortnite, leading to the game's removal from the App Store. While Epic secured a victory regarding alternative payment methods in the US, Apple prevailed on most counts in the subsequent antitrust trial.
The tension between the two companies has spilled over into international arenas, with Apple recently facing criticism for banning Epic's developer account in the EU, only to reverse the decision shortly after under pressure from European regulators. Moreover, Apple's recent move to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act by allowing developers to distribute apps directly via their own websites marks another significant development in this ongoing saga.
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