Epic files for injunction against 2021 US court ruling on iOS alternative in-app payments
In the ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the game studio has taken legal action by filing a new injunction against the 2021 US Northern District of California ruling, which resulted in a victory for Apple but required the tech giant to allow alternative in-app payment methods in the US. Despite winning the antitrust lawsuit and opening up to alternative payment methods, Apple still imposes a 27% commission on payments made by developers outside of the App Store and 12% for those in the App Store Small Business Program.
Epic Games’ new argument suggests that developers should be able to avoid Apple’s 30% fee on in-app payments through their alternative payment systems, and they are requesting Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to enforce her order. Epic claims that developers are still subject to similar fees on payments made outside the App Store, which goes against the court ruling.
Furthermore, Apple is mandating developers to use a “Plain Button Style” for links directing to external payments, which are not actual buttons and violate the court ruling as developers cannot guide customers to alternative payment methods.
Epic Games also highlights apps like Minecraft, which are restricted from displaying external payment links, and accuses Apple of attempting to hinder alternative payment options by manipulating its App Store policies. We will provide updates on the ongoing legal battle between Epic and Apple as more information becomes available.
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