Tech Titans Unite Against Apple: Meta, Microsoft, Elon Musk's X, Match Group Join Epic in App Store Battle

Meta Platforms, Microsoft, X, and Match Group join Epic Games in their battle against Apple's alleged violation of a court-ordered injunction. The technology companies argue that Apple's actions make it difficult for users to find cheaper alternatives for purchasing digital content. Epic Games accused Apple of contempt, claiming that new rules and fees rendered the provided links useless.

In a united front against Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk's X, and Match Group have joined forces with video game maker Epic Games in their ongoing battle over the App Store. The tech giants have come forward to support Epic Games' protest, claiming that Apple has failed to comply with a court-ordered injunction regarding payments within the App Store.

These technology companies, responsible for developing some of the most popular apps on the App Store, argue that Apple is in "clear violation" of the September 2021 injunction. They claim that Apple's actions make it difficult for users to find cheaper alternatives for purchasing digital content.

Apple, however, has chosen not to comment directly on the accusation. In a statement released on January 16, the company stated that it had fully complied with the injunction, emphasizing its commitment to protecting consumers and the integrity of its ecosystem, while also ensuring that developers do not receive unfair advantages.

The legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020 when Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the tech giant violated antitrust laws by forcing consumers to exclusively use the App Store and charging developers hefty commissions of up to 30% on purchases. The court-ordered injunction required Apple to allow developers to provide links and buttons that direct users to alternative payment options.

Recently, Epic Games accused Apple of contempt, arguing that new rules and a 27% fee imposed on developers rendered the provided links effectively useless. Now, with the support of Meta Platforms, Microsoft, X, and Match Group, Epic Games is doubling down on its claims against Apple.

In their filing, the technology companies assert that Apple's conduct entrenches anti-steering rules that the court had deemed illegal. They argue that Apple's excessive commissions and restrictive communication policies harm both consumers and developers, creating significant barriers to competition and artificially inflating prices.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Apple's appeal from the injunction in January, as well as Epic Games' appeal of lower court findings that Apple's policies did not violate federal antitrust law. Apple now has until April 3 to formally respond to Epic Games' filing.

Meta Platforms, Microsoft, X, and Match Group join Epic Games in their battle against Apple's alleged violation of a court-ordered injunction.
The technology companies argue that Apple's actions make it difficult for users to find cheaper alternatives for purchasing digital content.
Epic Games accused Apple of contempt, claiming that new rules and fees rendered the provided links useless.

Source: REUTERS