The ongoing Epic vs Apple saga has taken another significant turn, with recent rulings suggesting that Apple may be compelled to eliminate its controversial 30% commission on alternative payment links outside the App Store. This development marks a pivotal moment in the legal battle that began when Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, decided to allow Fortnite players to make in-app purchases directly from Epic, bypassing Apple's payment system and offering substantial discounts.
Previously, Apple had to comply with regulations in the EU, removing fees and limitations on outside linking. However, the US had been more favorable towards Apple until now. The latest ruling prohibits Apple from imposing fees on purchases made outside apps, restricting developers' use of links and calls to action, excluding certain apps or developers, and using 'scare screens' to influence consumer choice. Instead, Apple must now use neutral messaging to inform users about third-party sites.
Although Epic Games may have lost some smaller battles along the way, this ruling suggests they have won the larger war against Apple's restrictive policies. Apple has announced plans to appeal the decision, but overturning these rulings appears unlikely.
With the Epic Games Store for mobile already established on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the US, the significance of the iOS App Store may diminish over time. This shift could herald a new era for app developers and consumers, offering more freedom and potentially lower costs for in-app purchases.
