Apple Appeals Contempt Ruling in Epic Games App Store Case

Apple has appealed a U.S. judge’s ruling that found the company in contempt for failing to comply with a 2021 injunction requiring more competition in its App Store, particularly by allowing developers to steer users to non-Apple payment options. The judge accused Apple of willfully circumventing the order by imposing a 27% fee on external purchases and using 'scare screens' to deter third-party payments, and referred both Apple and an executive to federal prosecutors for possible criminal contempt. Epic Games, which brought the lawsuit, claims victory and plans to return Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store using a Sweden-based developer account. The ruling also triggered a new class action suit from app developers who allege inflated commissions and significant financial damages. Apple maintains it complied with the court's orders and argues its actions were necessary to protect user security and privacy. The legal battle comes amid broader financial pressures for Apple, including reduced profit margins and continued weakness in China.