Apple has filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking to overturn a ruling that would force it to open up its App Store to third-party payments. This is the latest beat in a long-simmering feud between Apple and Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite.
If the Supreme Court decides to take up the case and overturn the ruling, it could have far-reaching consequences for all developers. Apple’s “anti-steering” policy, which prohibits app makers from providing links to web-based payments or telling customers that a cheaper rate was available somewhere else, has long been controversial. A ruling in Epic’s favor could open up the App Store to more competition and give developers more freedom to control their own payments.
Epic has also asked the Supreme Court to reconsider part of the lower court’s ruling in its bid to keep its antitrust claims against Apple alive. This case is being closely watched by the tech industry and could have a major impact on the future of the App Store.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the two cases:
Apple’s petition to overturn the App Store ruling
Apple is arguing that the lower court injunction was “breathtakingly broad” and “unconstitutional.” The company says that the injunction would force it to allow developers to circumvent its App Store and the fees associated with it. This would be a major blow to Apple’s App Store business, which has used the rule to maintain strict control over in-app payments.
Epic’s petition to keep its antitrust claims alive
Epic is asking the Supreme Court to reconsider part of the lower court’s ruling that found that Apple’s anti-steering policy was not anticompetitive. Epic argues that the policy is anticompetitive because it prevents developers from offering their customers lower prices or better payment options.
It is unclear whether the Supreme Court will decide to take up either of these cases. However, if the Court does decide to take up the cases and rule in favor of Epic, it could have a major impact on the App Store and the tech industry as a whole.
