Apple wants to block last-minute changes
It was previously known that Apple would appeal in the Epic Games vs Apple case. However, that can take a long time and meanwhile the deadline of December 9 is getting closer and closer. District judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled in September that developers may use buy buttons and links to their own payment methods in apps. At first glance, this seems like a simple adjustment: the developers adapt their apps themselves and ensure that users are forwarded to a payment system of their choice. However, Apple believes the time is too short as additional security measures need to be built in to protect children, developers and the company itself.
Apple prefers to wait for the decision of the appeal and only then make adjustments. It is not yet known when the appeal will be heard, but what we do know is that it could take years before a final decision is made. During that time, Apple shouldn't have to make any adjustments. The judge did not agree with this: she ruled that Apple should really make the changes on December 9. Apple appealed and lost.
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Peupition for postponement
Now Apple has filed a last-minute petition with the US Court of Appeals, seeking additional deferral. It is a period of 30 days. “Due to the effective date of the court order, Apple is requesting the immediate implementation of an administrative suspension, which would expire 30 days after the Court's ruling,” the petition reads.
The lawsuit with Epic Games revolves around the question of whether Apple has a monopoly and abuses power. The judge ruled in favor of Apple that there is no monopoly, but that adjustments must be made. By allowing external payment methods, Apple is missing out on a mountain of revenue: by default, the company charges a 30% commission, while there are also situations where this is reduced to 15%. This applies, for example, if a developer has less than $1 million in revenue. But it is precisely the larger parties such as Epic Games that are keen to avoid the 30% commission, because they generate multi-million dollar sales in the App Store.
Apple's arguments for asking for a postponement remain the same: the company says it's a mammoth task that &ldquo ;takes months” and which is detrimental to all concerned. Without delay, the App Store will have to be redesigned – to the detriment of consumers, developers and Apple itself. The judge was previously of the opinion that Apple has had sufficient time since the court ruling to get this job done.
We are therefore curious to see what will happen in the coming days: will Apple make quick adjustments before December 9th? to do? Or are they aiming for a multimillion-dollar fine?
Read more about this case in our article Apple vs Epic Games, in which we also answer 10 questions about who actually won.