Apple Tussles With Epic Over App Store Rules
The Big Bad Ruling
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers made a splash in the latest Epic Games lawsuit – Apple won big, but one crucial point turned the tide. The judge called out Apple for veering off the anti-steering path and demanded that developers can drop a link to third‑party payment systems.
Apple’s “Let’s Pause” Plea
In a spirited appeal, Apple asked the court to tempestuous until both sides have a chance to breathe:
“Apple asks the Court to suspend the requirements of its injunction until the appeals filed by both Epic and Apple have been resolved. The company understands and respects the Court’s concerns regarding communications between developers and consumers.”
Apple argues that providing an outside link is a high‑risk exercise. It wants more time to play the game of balancing user safety, privacy, and the smooth functioning of the App Store.
Why the Extra Time Matters
Apple believes it can’t let devs point users straight to external payment gateways without risking fraud. “The requested stay will allow Apple to protect consumers and safeguard its platform while the company works through the complex and rapidly evolving legal, technological, and economic issues that any revisions to this Guideline would implicate,” it said.
The Stakes at Play
- Apple potentially loses $19 billion of revenue – a hard‑to‑pinpoint figure, but analysts have plenty of guesses.
- It could also lose its iron grip on the App Store, a bony trunk of control that has been its crown jewel.
- Future lawsuits might feel the heat from this one.
What’s Next?
While Apple’s reaction was whisper‑quiet, Epic declared its intent to fight on. The appeal is slated for Nov 16, so both legal giants are bracing for a long showdown.
Bottom Line
Apple’s appeal is a bold move to keep its hands on the wheel, protecting users while guessing the best way to adapt to new payment rules. Whether it’s a win or a loss, the drama is far from over, and the App Store’s future could look a lot different if the courts keep nudging.
