Apple is facing serious legal consequences after a U.S. judge ruled that the company violated a federal injunction related to its App Store practices. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple “willfully” failed to follow a 2021 order in its case with Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite.
The original injunction required Apple to allow third-party app developers to direct users to alternative payment options. Apple’s workaround, which included a 27% commission on external purchases and a complicated approval system, did not meet the court’s standards.
Judge Calls Apple’s Behavior Anticompetitive
In her ruling, Judge Rogers said Apple intentionally created “new anticompetitive barriers” to maintain its App Store revenue. She called Apple’s actions a “gross miscalculation” of what the court would accept. The case has now been referred to federal prosecutors, which means Apple could face contempt charges.
This decision marks a major blow to Apple, which has spent years defending its App Store rules. The ruling could also change how developers offer alternative payments on iOS devices.
Epic Games Offers a Truce
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded quickly to the ruling. On social media, he said Fortnite could return to the iOS App Store “next week” if Apple accepts a peace proposal. Epic is offering to end its legal battle if Apple removes its global commission on external purchases.
Sweeney believes this would benefit both companies and consumers. However, it’s unclear if Apple will agree to the deal. Executives like Tim Cook and former CFO Luca Maestri reportedly pushed for the current system, despite concerns from App Store chief Phil Schiller.
What Happens Next?
Apple has not yet responded to the judge’s ruling or Epic’s offer. If the company agrees, it could mark the end of a multi-year legal war and bring Fortnite back to millions of iPhones. If not, the two tech giants may continue their courtroom clash into another chapter.
