Big tech companies say Apple’s App Store rules aren’t good enough: Overview

• Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match allege that Apple failed to comply with the 2021 order regarding in-app purchases.
• The order was the result of a lawsuit filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games.
• The four companies claim that Apple’s solution fails to provide adequate alternative payment options.

Pressure is mounting on Apple over its dispute with Epic Games over app store payments.

Meta, Microsoft, X and Match filed briefs on Wednesday supporting Fortnite maker Epic Games in its dispute with Apple over in-app purchases.

A 2021 ruling found that Apple was not complying with competition law by restricting developers’ use of non-Apple payment processing services.

Tech giant Fortnite charges fees of up to 30% for in-app purchases, making it difficult for third-party developers to steer customers to alternative payment options, Fortnite says in its lawsuit. argued. The judge agreed, asking Apple to come up with a model that allows customers to use other payment options.

Apple responded by allowing third-party developers to include links that direct users to external websites to make payments.

However, Meta, X, Microsoft, and Match — all of which develop major apps in Apple’s App Store — said in a brief that Apple’s solution is not sufficient to provide payment options to consumers. said.

“Apple’s new restrictions are clearly intended to make alternatives to Apple’s IAP impractical for developers and inaccessible and unattractive for consumers, and therefore do not meet the intent of the injunction. It circumvents both fundamental objectives,” the companies said in a brief filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court. California court.

In response to a request for comment from Business Insider, an Apple spokesperson said, “As of January 16, 2024, Apple has fully complied with the injunction by removing the relevant portions of the App Store.” He pointed to Apple’s compliance statement. Review the guidelines that apply to apps on the U.S. shelves of the iOS and iPadOS App Stores. ”

In a statement, Apple said it would “allow developers to (i) include buttons or call-to-action links in their apps that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms in addition to IAPs; and (ii) communicate with customers through captured contacts.” It added that it had introduced new rules to allow Provided voluntarily by Customer through in-app account registration. ”