In the latest twist of the ongoing saga between Fortnite’s creator, Epic Games, and enterprise giant Apple, Epic has taken its grievances to the highest court in the land.
The Core Issue
At the heart of the matter, Epic Games alleges that Apple holds an unfair monopoly over the mobile app domain, particularly with its iOS and the associated on-app purchasing. This, Epic claims, has allowed Apple to amass billions through commission fees.
A Glimpse Back
The disagreement between the two giants can be traced back to a 2021 antitrust trial. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez delivered a verdict that seemed to appease neither party:
- For Epic: Apple had to lift its ban on developers guiding users towards alternative payment options.
- For Apple: The court recognized Epic’s breach of contract, mandating it to pay Apple the due fees. Furthermore, Apple retained the right to exclude Epic from its App Store.
Both parties, unsatisfied, appealed.
Recent Developments
Fast forward to April, an appeals court upheld the initial decision, which many viewed as a win for Apple. However, the Supreme Court, in August, chose not to lift a stay, thereby halting even the minor triumph Epic had secured.
Now, Epic is urging the Supreme Court to revisit the case, hoping for clarity on specific antitrust law aspects. In response, Apple has submitted an argument, as reported by Reuters, urging the Supreme Court to dismiss the lower court’s order that demands alterations to its App Store guidelines.
The tech world awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, which could set a precedent for future antitrust cases in the digital realm. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the battle between these two behemoths is far from over.
