In the latest chapter of the Epic vs Apple saga, a significant ruling might force Apple to abandon its controversial 30% commission on alternative payment methods outside the App Store. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle that began when Epic Games, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, allowed Fortnite players to make in-app purchases directly from Epic, bypassing Apple's payment system at a discounted rate.
Previously, Apple had to comply with similar rulings in the EU, but the US courts had been more favorable towards Apple. However, the new ruling explicitly prohibits Apple from doing the following:
- Charging fees on purchases made outside the app
- Restricting developers' placements or formatting of external links
- Limiting the use of 'calls to action' such as banners that inform users of potential savings
- Excluding certain apps or developers from using external payment options
- Interfering with consumer choice through 'scare screens'
- Using anything other than 'neutral messaging' to inform users they are navigating to a third-party site
While Epic Games may have faced setbacks in earlier rounds, this ruling suggests they have effectively won the broader conflict. Apple has announced plans to appeal the decision, but overturning such a comprehensive ruling seems unlikely.
With the Epic Games Store for mobile already established on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the US, the importance 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.
