The noose is tightening around Apple. After Epic Games, it’s the turn of Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match Group to criticize its practices within the App Store. According to these companies, the tech giant isn’t complying with a court decision forcing it to change its app store policies.
The list of opponents to Apple is growing longer
In a joint action filed this Wednesday, March 20th, the companies make similar accusations to those of Epic Group against the Cupertino firm.
Just days ago, the Fortnite publisher lodged a document with a federal judge, demanding sanctions against Apple for failing to comply with its ruling.
The case dates back to 2020, when Epic Games sued Apple, targeting the pricing policy within the App Store.
Following a lengthy trial, Apple ultimately prevailed on nine out of ten counts. The company was found guilty of violating California’s unfair competition law by restricting developers’ ability to communicate about potentially less expensive alternative payment systems.
At the end of 2023, Apple was forced to allow developers to integrate links leading to other payment solutions. It complied, but according to the companies targeting it, this new policy continues to flout the law. The American giant still charges a fee ranging from 12 to 27% on purchases made outside of its App Store. Furthermore, it prevents developers from promoting discounts.
“Apple’s restrictions on where and how developers can communicate to their users about their in-app content purchasing options create significant barriers to competition and artificially inflate prices,” Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match Group denounce.
Europe is echoing the same sentiment
Meanwhile, Apple maintains the same line of defense. It believes it has complied with the court decision, stating that, according to the Wall Street Journal, its current policy regarding external links aims to protect users’ privacy and security.
Apple has faced similar criticisms on the other side of the Atlantic regarding its compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which obliges it to open up its ecosystem to competition. Its complex plan involves new fees and restrictions for app developers who choose to go outside the App Store.
Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition, recently criticized Apple, suggesting that its new fees were not in line with regulations.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
The legal landscape surrounding Apple’s App Store policies has been tumultuous. Epic Games’ lawsuit against Apple in 2020 was a pivotal moment, shedding light on alleged antitrust violations and monopolistic practices. While Apple emerged victorious on several fronts, concerns persist regarding its compliance with court rulings and regulatory mandates.
With Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match Group joining the fray, the list of opponents to Apple continues to expand. This collective pushback reflects broader industry sentiments and the desire for a level playing field. As these companies band together, their combined influence could shape the trajectory of future developments in the tech sector.
As the battle between Meta, Microsoft, X, Match Group, and Apple intensifies, the tech industry finds itself at a crossroads. The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for innovation, competition, and consumer choice. Ultimately, the resolution of these disputes will shape the future of the digital landscape for years to come.
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