Apple’s Ongoing Legal Struggles: A 2025 Update
In a notable turn of events from 2021, Apple faced a setback in its legal confrontation with Epic Games when a judge determined that the tech giant could not restrict developers from integrating alternative purchasing avenues within their applications. Following this ruling, Epic Games announced plans for Fortnite’s return to the iOS App Store, anticipating the implementation of new developer-friendly policies from Apple.
Current Status of Apple’s Compliance
Fast forward to 2025, and the situation remains contentious. Apple has yet to establish any viable mechanisms that allow developers, including Epic, to adopt external payment systems for their applications and games. Epic has once again taken legal action, asserting that Apple is not adhering to the court’s previous directives. In a recent ruling, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers declared that Apple is willfully breaching the injunction issued in 2021.
Apple willfully chose not to comply with this Court’s Injunction. It did so with the express intent to create new anticompetitive barriers which would, by design and in effect, maintain a valued revenue stream; a revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive. That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation. As always, the cover up made it worse. For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple.
Serious Allegations Against Apple
In addition to the injunction violation, the court found that Alex Roman, Apple’s Vice President of Finance, had lied under oath during proceedings. This revelation has prompted the United States Attorney to consider whether to pursue a criminal investigation against both Apple and Roman.
Accordingly, under Rule 42(a)(2) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Court refers the issue to the United States Attorney for the Northern District of California, Patrick D. Robbins, or his designee(s), for investigation against Apple and Alex Roman, Apple’s Vice President of Finance specifically. The Court takes no position on whether a criminal prosecution is or is not warranted. The decision is entirely that of the United States Attorney. It will be for the executive branch to decide whether Apple should be deprived of the fruits of its violation, in addition to any penalty geared to deter future misconduct.
Fortnite’s Anticipated Return and Sweeney’s Peace Proposal
Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Epic Games, recently tweeted about Fortnite’s return to the U. S.iOS App Store, expected next week. He also proposed a peace offering to Apple: if they expand the court’s favorable framework globally, Epic would bring Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and cease all current and future litigation on these matters.
NO FEES on web transactions. Game over for the Apple Tax. Apple’s 15-30% junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States of America as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act. Unlawful here, unlawful there.4 years 4 months 17 days.https://t.co/RucrsX7Z4A pic.twitter.com/3kSYnt5pcI
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) April 30, 2025
Implications of Recent Rulings
This latest ruling is a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute between Apple and developers regarding App Store regulations and the commissions they impose. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Apple will respond and what the future holds for developers challenging its ecosystem.
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