In a dramatic turn of events, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that an Apple executive deliberately misled the court during the fierce legal showdown with Epic Games. The stunning revelation raises questions about the integrity of testimony given during one of the tech world's most scrutinized trials.

Lies About the 27% Commission Rate Uncovered!

Apple's ongoing battle with Epic Games has hit a new low as the tech giant faces accusations of deception. According to Judge Rogers, Apple’s VP of Finance, Alex Roman, "outright lied" about a crucial internal discussion on the company's 27% commission fee related to the App Store.

This ruling stems from a previous 2021 court injunction requiring Apple to eliminate its anti-steering policies, allowing external purchases. However, rather than complying, Apple rolled out a new commission structure in 2024 that undercut the spirit of the original decree.

Court Exposes Apple's Deceptive Tactics!

Rogers noted that internal documents revealed Apple was fully aware of its manipulative strategies, crafting an image that stood in stark contrast to the testimony presented in court. The judge pointed out that these documents were "tailor-made for litigation," further underscoring the depths of Apple’s deception.

High-Stakes Executive Meeting Kept Under Wraps!

But the controversy doesn't stop there! Judge Rogers claims Apple has also been withholding critical documentation regarding a June 2023 meeting that involved high-profile executives, including CEO Tim Cook and tech veteran Phil Schiller. This meeting discussed strategies in light of the court's injunction, yet Apple kept it hidden from the court until 2025.

Rogers criticized Cook's decision to dismiss Schiller's advice to not impose a commission on web links, stating that it was a poor judgment call.

Apple Faces the Threat of Legal Consequences!

The fallout from these lies could be severe. The court has referred the case to U.S. attorneys to investigate whether criminal contempt proceedings should be pursued against Roman or Apple itself.

As frustrations mount and Epic's CEO Tim Sweeney declares a social media victory over Apple, the tech giant is left to reckon with its own missteps. While Apple asserts its disagreement with the ruling and plans to appeal, the stakes have never been higher.