EddieJayonCrypto
4 May 25
Apple has eased its app payment rules after a court ruling found the company engaged in anti-competitive practices. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple violated an injunction related to its legal battle with Epic Games, which accused Apple of anti-competitive behavior after Epic allowed us...
Apple has eased app payment rules following a court ruling that found the company engaged in anti-competitive practices related to its App Store policies.Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the Northern District of California ruled that Apple violated an injunction stemming from its legal battle with Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite. Epic had allowed users to use payment methods outside of Apple's ecosystem, prompting Apple to ban Epic's account and leading to a lawsuit accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior.In 2021, the court ordered Apple to stop blocking developers from directing users to alternative payment options and to refrain from imposing new commissions on off-app purchases. However, years later, the judge found that Apple failed to comply, stating, “Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated.”The injunction enforces Apple's obligation to allow developers to communicate alternate payment methods to users and prevents the company from levying new fees on off-app purchases. Effective immediately, developers can direct users to alternative payment options, including digital assets such as cryptocurrency.This updated policy has been reflected in App Store communications, with reports of users noticing clarifications around permitted payment methods. Economists and industry commentators have described the ruling and its impact as potentially significant for the future of app-based payments and digital assets.The court order marks a notable shift in Apple’s App Store policies, reinforcing competitive practices and opening new avenues for developers and consumers alike.