Federal Judge Finds Apple in Contempt for Violating Court Order to Foster App Store Competition in Epic Games Antitrust Case

A federal judge in California has ruled that Apple violated a court order intended to foster greater competition within its App Store. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, found that Apple did not comply with an injunction from a previous antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the creator of “Fortnite.” The injunction required Apple to allow developers to include links to alternative payment methods, thereby reducing the exclusivity of Apple’s payment system for in-app transactions.

In her 80-page ruling, Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated that Apple’s actions were in direct violation of the 2021 court order. The judge emphasized that the injunction was designed to curb Apple’s anticompetitive practices and pricing strategies within its App Store. By failing to adhere to the order, Apple has been found in contempt of court, and the matter will be referred to federal prosecutors for further action.

The legal battle stems from a lawsuit initiated by Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s control over app distribution and payment systems on its platform. Epic Games argued that Apple’s policies stifled competition and innovation by forcing developers to use its proprietary payment system, which includes a commission on transactions. The court’s initial ruling aimed to dismantle these barriers and promote a more competitive environment for app developers.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ recent decision underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Apple’s business practices and the broader debate over antitrust issues in the technology sector. The ruling serves as a significant development in the legal proceedings between Apple and Epic Games, highlighting the judiciary’s role in addressing concerns about market competition and consumer choice in the digital economy.