Tech Giants Rally Against Apple Alleged Violation of Court Order

In a significant show of solidarity, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s X, and Match Group have joined Fortnite maker Epic Games in its ongoing protest against Apple’s alleged failure to comply with a court-ordered injunction regarding payments within its App Store.

The IT companies responsible for some of the most widely-used apps in the App Store have accused Apple of being in “clear violation”.

Accusations of Clear Violation by Apple Spark Controversy:

The tech companies responsible for some of the most widely-used apps in the App Store have accused Apple of being in “clear violation” of the injunction issued in September 2021. 

They contend that Apple’s practices make it challenging for consumers to access alternative, cheaper payment methods for digital content, thus defying the court’s directives.

Apple’s Response and Contempt Charges:

Despite the mounting accusations, Apple has declined to comment directly on them. Instead, it referenced a previous statement asserting full compliance with the injunction, emphasizing its commitment to consumer protection and ecosystem integrity. 

However, Epic Games has demanded that Apple be held in contempt, citing new rules and fees that render the mandated links ineffective.

Implications for Competition and Consumers:

In their filing, the technology companies argue that Apple’s actions effectively uphold anti-steering rules deemed illegal by the court. 

They assert that such practices bolster Apple’s already substantial commissions while hindering competition and inflating prices to the detriment of both consumers and developers.