Judge Rules Apple Violated Court Order on App Store Anti-Steering Provisions

a year ago

Judge Gonzales Rogers' decision criticizes Apple for maintaining anticompetitive practices despite court orders.
Apple imposed a 27% commission on off-app purchases and added barriers to discourage alternative payment methods.
Internal documents reveal Apple's finance team, led by Luca Maestri and Alex Roman, advocated for these measures, while Phil Schiller opposed them.
Alex Roman lied under oath about Apple's knowledge and intentions regarding the 27% commission.
The court found Apple in contempt and referred the matter for potential criminal investigation.
The ruling emphasizes that Apple must comply immediately, removing all anticompetitive barriers.
Phil Schiller emerges as a voice of reason within Apple, contrasting with the finance team's actions.
The decision stems from an injunction in the Epic Games lawsuit, demanding fair competition for App Store purchases.
Apple's reputation and credibility are significantly damaged by the ruling, though its App Store business may not be severely impacted.
The judge's closing remarks underscore Apple's willful defiance and the court's intolerance for further delays.

Hasty Briefsbeta