Major Legal Blow to Apple

In a stunning turn of events, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has cracked down on Apple, declaring it must immediately cease collecting fees on purchases made outside its App Store. This ruling follows a series of blunders by Apple since a previous decision in 2021, stemming from Epic Games' high-profile lawsuit against the tech giant.

The Backstory: Monopoly or Misconduct?

While Gonzalez Rogers originally found that Apple didn't monopolize the App Store, she did mandate that developers be allowed to direct users to alternative payment systems. However, Epic Games recently accused Apple of ignoring this order by continuing to charge a hefty 27% commission on external purchases and employing tactics to dissuade users from bypassing its payment system.

A Court's Wrath: No More Scare Tactics!

In her decisive ruling, the judge not only prohibited Apple from collecting any fees on external purchases but also banned the company from using "scare screens" that warned users against third-party payment options. She accused Apple of deliberately maintaining a revenue stream worth billions while ignoring the court's directive.

Apple's Response: Compliant but Defiant

Despite expressing disagreement with the ruling, Apple has vowed to comply. An Apple spokesperson confirmed their plan to appeal but acknowledged the need to follow the court's orders.

Behind Closed Doors: Internal Disputes and Lies?

The ruling revealed that during a 2023 meeting, Apple's own lead for the App Store pushed for a halt on fee collection, only to be overruled by former CFO Luca Maestri. Allegations surfaced that Maestri misled Tim Cook into changing the narrative regarding external purchases, advising on how to refocus customers' fears regarding security and privacy.

Epic Games on the Offensive: Fortnite Returns!

As the dust settles, Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney blasted the news on Twitter, announcing the triumphant return of Fortnite to iOS in the US next week. Furthermore, he hinted at bringing the game back to worldwide platforms, contingent on Apple adopting a commission-free payment framework globally.

The Aftermath: Investigations in the Works?

Judge Gonzalez Rogers even called for an investigation into Apple for possible criminal contempt due to deceptive practices. This legal saga is far from over, with the stakes higher than ever for both the tech titan and its challengers.