Described as a major showdown, this event began last week when Epic Games filed documents with the California court. Following the end of the lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple in January, Apple was required to allow developers to display buttons or links to other payment methods within their apps to reduce the fees charged by Apple through the App Store. However, Apple has been resisting by not allowing links in the apps and still deducting fees.
It should be noted that these orders only apply in the United States, and Apple has adjusted its approach by sharing the fee even if payments are made through other channels, which is cheaper than the In-App method by 3%, which is 12% or 27% depending on the app’s conditions.
Epic Games’ complaint has prompted another 4 companies including Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram), Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), and Match (owner of Tinder) to file complaints alongside Epic Games, stating that Apple has been overly restrictive towards developers.
Meta complains that Apple does not allow users to boost posts directly through the web. Microsoft claims that Apple does not allow text stating that payments through other channels will receive discounts, while X argues that the 27% cut Apple takes is unjust since the payment occurs outside the app. Match Group also states that Apple’s new approach has a significant impact on developers and users.
Apple has previously stated that it has complied with the court order by allowing developers to provide additional payment information to users. The court will now consider whether Apple has indeed followed the order or not.
TLDR: Epic Games and four other companies filed complaints against Apple for allegedly being too restrictive towards developers, prompting a legal battle that is being considered by the court.
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