Supreme Court upholds Apple’s App Store rules, denies Epic Games’ request.
The Supreme Court Denies Epic Games’ Request to Force Apple to Change Payment Store Practices
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Apple, allowing the tech giant to continue its current payment store practices. This decision comes after Fortnite developer Epic Games requested that Apple be compelled to allow iPhone users to purchase apps through alternative means.
Justice Elena Kagan denied Epic Games’ application, which sought to enforce a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that found Apple in violation of California competition laws. However, the justice did not provide a reason for blocking the request.
This ruling is a victory for Apple, as it can maintain its restriction on users buying iPhone apps from sources other than its own platform. However, this reprieve may be temporary, as Apple will have the opportunity to file a Supreme Court appeal later this year. If the court rejects Apple’s case, the 9th Circuit ruling could still take effect.
In August 2020, Epic Games made the decision to allow Fortnite players to purchase in-game currency, known as V-Bucks, through its own website. This move aimed to bypass Apple as the middleman and avoid paying the 30% fee imposed by the tech giant. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store, prompting Epic Games to file a lawsuit, accusing Apple of maintaining an “absolute monopoly” in the matter.
Initially, the court ruled that Apple had not violated antitrust law as alleged by Epic Games. However, it did find that Apple had violated California’s Unfair Competition Law and ordered the company to make necessary changes to the App Store. The 9th Circuit upheld both decisions in April 2023. Apple expressed its intention to request a review of the ruling in a July filing, but the request has not been filed yet.
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