Tech giants Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, X (known as Twitter), and Match (Tinder) are becoming allies of Epic Games, ready to stand against Apple’s in-app fees. According to these companies, it is extremely unfair for Apple to respond to the court order to give consumers a fair platform to get their interest rates.
The court ruled in favor of developers in 2022, stating that iPhone users were free to direct their apps to cheaper alternatives available outside the App Store. On the other hand, Apple allows placing a URL for linked third-party websites for a fee (12-27%). According to technical colleagues, running reduces its attractiveness.
Responding to criticism about the violation of link functionality due to Apple restrictions, such as offering other prices, declaring the unfairness of its competitors. Meta aims to drive users towards web payments through ‘boosted’ posts, while Microsoft and Match are facing off with a subscription offering and competitively priced solution.
The plaintiff, which is Epic Games, considers this to be contempt of court against whom the order has been issued. Apart from these entities, emerging tech experts have also filed a similar motion, and want the court to direct Apple to come up with a program that can be realized. This could essentially mean a drastic overhaul of the Apple Store business model, potentially leading to changes in both fees and developers’ freedom.
