Apple’s ongoing legal clash with Epic Games has taken a dramatic turn. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that an Apple executive lied under oath during the high-profile trial. The executive, Alex Roman, Apple’s Vice President of Finance, misrepresented facts regarding Apple’s controversial 27% commission policy.
The court originally ordered Apple to allow third-party developers to guide users toward external payment systems. However, Apple replaced its blocked system with a policy that still demanded a commission. Roman testified that internal discussions supported this structure, but Judge Rogers later revealed those discussions never happened.
Judge Accuses Apple of Deception
In her statement, Judge Rogers said Apple “outright lied” and presented evidence “tailor-made for litigation.” She criticized Apple for hiding the truth and intentionally choosing anti-competitive policies. According to the court, Apple not only failed to correct the lies but instead embraced them to protect its position.
Documents revealed that top executives, including CEO Tim Cook and Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, debated whether to charge a commission on web links. While Schiller opposed it, Cook pushed ahead, leading the judge to declare, “Cook chose poorly.”
Criminal Contempt Investigation Underway
Due to the seriousness of the deception, Judge Rogers has referred the case to federal prosecutors. Apple and Roman may now face criminal contempt charges. The court also found that Apple withheld documents about a 2023 executive meeting that was relevant to the case.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded quickly, claiming victory on social media. Meanwhile, Apple issued a statement disagreeing with the ruling but confirming it would comply while preparing an appeal.
What’s Next for Apple?
This ruling marks another setback for Apple in its App Store dispute. With potential legal consequences looming, all eyes are on how Apple will handle both the fallout and its public image moving forward. The situation could significantly reshape future rules for in-app payments and developer rights.
