Apple Secures Victory in Epic Games' Antitrust Appeal

Following a lengthy legal battle, Apple has emerged victorious in its appeal against Epic Games' antitrust claim. According to a report by Bloomberg, the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the 2021 ruling, dismissing nine out of ten claims made by Epic. However, the court's decision also stated that Apple remains in violation of California state law regarding anti-steering practices, which involve directing users to alternative payment methods. The origins of the legal dispute date back to 2020, when Epic Games attempted to circumvent the 30% commission fee imposed by Apple and Google for in-app purchases, resulting in the removal of Fortnite from their respective digital stores. Epic subsequently filed an antitrust lawsuit against both companies. For a comprehensive overview of the Epic vs. Apple case, please refer to our detailed analysis. In response to the ruling, Apple expressed its pride in the App Store's role in promoting competition, innovation, and opportunities for users and developers worldwide, while also indicating its intention to review the Californian law violation further. As a result of the decision, Epic may be required to reimburse Apple for its legal fees.