The judge ordered Apple to loosen control of its App Store, but said Epic failed to prove any antitrust violations.
Epic Games said Friday it would appeal a US judge’s ruling that loosened Apple’s control over App Store payments but did not brand the tech giant’s dominance as a monopoly.
Apple wasn’t committed to whether it would appeal, but Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted “we’ll fight,” and the company confirmed plans to fight the verdict.
Apple said it is studying the 185-page ruling by US District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers, but was “very pleased” with the decision.
Epic launched the case aimed at breaking Apple’s hold on the App Store, accusing the iPhone maker of acting like a monopoly in its store for digital goods or services.
NS Judge orders Apple to loosen control of its App Store, but said that Epic failed to prove any antitrust violations.
“To me, it’s a victory for Apple in that the judge clearly stated that they do not engage in monopolistic behavior,” said Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi.
“I don’t think it’s a problem for Apple from a revenue standpoint.”
Friday’s order said Apple permanently barred developers from including in its apps “external links or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms.”
Apple may still mandate that its payment system is used for in-app transactions.