Archive — JP — japantimes
Apple must halt non-app store sales commissions, judge says
A federal judge ruled that Apple must stop charging commissions on sales outside its App Store and open the platform to third-party payment options, siding with Epic Games. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple's noncompliance with a 2021 order and referred the matter for potential criminal investigation.
Key points
- U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a ruling against Apple for violating a previous court order.
- The ruling was in favor of Epic Games, which accused Apple of anti-competitive practices.
- Apple is required to halt commissions on non-App Store purchases.
- The judge referred the case to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt proceedings.
Why it matters
- This case reflects ongoing scrutiny of major tech companies and their monopolistic practices.
- The ruling aligns with wider trends in 2025 regarding regulatory measures aimed at increasing competition in the digital marketplace.
- Similar legal battles against big tech firms are emerging globally, influencing future legislation.
The ruling against Apple marks a significant enforcement of antitrust laws, impacting how tech companies conduct business and potentially reshaping the digital economy.