The ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple regarding the App Store’s payment system has taken a new turn, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.
Following a court ruling earlier in 2024, Apple was mandated to allow US App Store developers to integrate external links within their apps. These links would facilitate in-app purchases through alternative payment methods. This decision stemmed from the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case.
While Apple complied by enabling these external links, Epic Games is seemingly still unhappy and claims their functionality is significantly restricted. In a recent court filing, Epic outlined several concerns with Apple’s implementation. According to Epic, fees, and regulations associated with the external links make them commercially unattractive for many developers.
Additionally, Apple reportedly restricts the design of these links, preventing them from functioning similarly to buttons, which could potentially hinder user experience. Furthermore, Epic argues that developers are prohibited from mentioning alternative payment methods within their apps, limiting communication and transparency.
Epic also contends that Apple’s guidelines still restrict developers of multi-platform apps from promoting the use of alternative payment options. These limitations, in Epic’s view, suggest Apple’s intent to maintain control over in-app purchases and the associated 30% commission fee.
Apple is defending its status claiming that they maintained full compliance with the court order since January 2024. They argue that regulating these external links is crucial to ensure a secure and reliable App Store environment for users. This includes safeguarding user privacy by protecting their data and ensuring the security of personal information. Moreover, regulations aim to maintain clarity within the app by guaranteeing a clear flow of information to avoid user confusion.
The broader legal battle surrounding Apple’s business model remains under review. While a 2023 court ruling did not find Apple in violation of federal antitrust laws, it did acknowledge a breach of California’s Unfair Competition Law. This stemmed from Apple restricting communication about alternative payment systems that could potentially offer lower fees.
Since Epic’s lawsuit in 2020, Apple has been implementing changes to address developer concerns regarding the App Store. This recent filing by Epic highlights the ongoing dispute concerning the effectiveness of these changes. The court will determine the validity of Epic’s claims and assess whether Apple’s actions adhere to the spirit of the initial court order.
