Judge rules Apple can't force developers to use its App Store payment system (Epic v. Apple)

[MikaDubbz]

On Friday Septemeber 10th, 2021, it was ruled that Apple had violated California's Unfair Competition Law by forcing developers (in this case, Epic specifically with Fortnite) to use Apple's payment systems on the App Store where Apple extracts a 30% commission on every in-app purchase in the process. It was not ruled however that Apple holds a monopoly as the suit was also arguing.

To get around Apple taking that 30% cut, Epic had encouraged iOS players to buy the game's digital currency, known as V-Bucks, directly from Epic, as opposed to through Apple's in-app purchase system. To sweeten the deal, Epic offered a discount to those who bought V-Bucks directly. Apple saw this as a gross violation of its contract with Epic and an attempt to undercut a key revenue stream. The iPhone maker booted Fortnite from the App store, and Epic immediately filed what appeared to be a largely premeditated lawsuit. Epic is not seeking monetary compensation but rather for Apple to change it's behavior on this manner. Apple is expected to appeal.

Source

 

[subcon959]

I don't like this case as it forces me to side with EGS.

 

[NyaakoXD]

I don't like this case as it forces me to side with EGS.

Not like Apple's side is any better.

 

[FAST6191]

I am somewhat surprised here. I did not expect this outcome (granted we likely have appeals to first go through), even if I like it (pending reading the whole thing anyway and assuming it is plain unfair competition).

I also wonder what Apple will do much like Steam do to second hand games in Europe to make it a pain in the arse to use so only the most determined/technical users will be inclined to go in for it as opposed to everybody and their donkey

 

[AkiraKurusu]

I really dislike how Epic practically ambushed Apple with this lawsuit, and is seemingly winning. Both companies should lose, in my opinion.

 

[Viri]

Tim is still sperging out on social media, lol. Apple can also continue to block Fortnite.

 

[Valwinz]

you forgot that Epic was found to have Broken the TOS

 

[Deleted member 546149]

Eh to be honest App Store rules on iOS suck
That's why I use APKPURE on Android

 

[Xzi]

you forgot that Epic was found to have Broken the TOS

And that Epic has to pay Apple 3 million in damages as a result.

 

[AkiraKurusu]

And that Epic has to pay Apple 3 million in damages as a result.

Weird to say this, but..."only" $3 million? Aren't they worth over $15 billion?
Utterly pathetic. Should've been at least $3 billion.

That's practically pocket change to Epic; not going to affect them much at all.

 

[Xzi]

Weird to say this, but..."only" $3 million? Aren't they worth over $15 billion?
Utterly pathetic. Should've been at least $3 billion.

That's practically pocket change to Epic; not going to affect them much at all.

It's a portion of the money they made from in-app purchases which circumvented Apple's payment system for that period of time. I too would've preferred a much larger amount, but then again it's going to Apple, so nobody really wins anyway.

 

[the_randomizer]

I don't like Epic much, but seeing Apple getting knocked down a few rungs is cathartic.

 

[Viri]

I cannot stand either company, I just enjoy watching the shit show. I hope Timmy goes after Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo next.

 

[Dr_Faustus]

Weird to say this, but..."only" $3 million? Aren't they worth over $15 billion?
Utterly pathetic. Should've been at least $3 billion.

That's practically pocket change to Epic; not going to affect them much at all.

Eh, its Apple. They will survive standing pretty no matter what happens.