Epic's Tim Sweeney Celebrates Legal Victory as Apple Tax Ends
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, revels in his recent triumph following Apple's failed appeal concerning App Store policies, proclaiming it as the end of an era for developers.
After a lengthy and contentious legal battle, the U.S. courts have ruled against Apple, allowing Fortnite to return to the U.S. app store. This withdrawal occurred after the game tried to introduce its own payment processing system in 2020, clashing with Apple’s App Store policies.
Epic Games contended that Apple maintained a monopoly over app transactions. The court’s decision mandates that Apple permit apps to direct users to alternative payment platforms without their cut.
Following this ruling, Apple sought an emergency appeal, but it was denied. The Ninth Circuit Court stated, “Apple bears the burden of showing that the circumstances justify an exercise of [our] discretion…we are not persuaded that a stay is appropriate.”
Tim Sweeney expressed his delight on social media, stating, “‘Apple’s stay is denied by the 9th Circuit Court. The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended. May next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference be the Apple-led celebration of freedom that developers and users have long deserved.”
Other developers echoed Sweeney’s sentiments about the verdict, proclaiming it a positive step for the gaming community.
