In the United States, after a first trial, the war between Apple and Epic (because of the banning of Fortnite from the App Store) continues on appeal. And currently, Epic can count on a lot of support against the Cupertino company.
As we mentioned in a previous article,35 attorneys generalof American states have decided to speak out in favor of Epic, in the context of this affair.
They believe that“Apple's conduct has harmed and continues to harm mobile application developers and millions of citizens. Meanwhile, Apple continues to monopolize app distribution and in-app payment solutions for iPhones, stifling competition and amassing supra-competitive profits in the smartphone industry, which represents nearly a thousand billion dollars per year. »
For its part, Microsoft positions itself as an amicus curiae, addressing the court and giving its opinion on the case in an official manner, although it is not one of the protagonists. As reported by the Apple Insider site, in the document it filed, Microsoft explains that since it sells both hardware and an operating system, it has an interest in supporting antitrust laws.
The Redmond firm evokes the significant power that Apple holds as a gatekeeper or access controller. Microsoft also believes that if the initial decision of the American courts is upheld, this“would insulate Apple from meritorious antitrust scrutiny and encourage other harmful behavior.” »
On Windows 11, Microsoft sets an example
As a reminder, the conflict between Apple and Epic began when the developer of Fortnite decided to install a third-party payment system, which does not go through the App Store, and on which Apple does not charge a commission, on its game video. This being against the rules of iOS, Apple therefore banned the game, which resulted in a lawsuit.
And currently, Apple is under a lot of pressure to allow developers to use these third-party payment systems for in-app purchases and/or to allow sideloading which would allow the installation of apps that are not in the app. official store.
Microsoft, for its part, already accepts all of this. OnWindows 11, the new official app store allows developers to use their own payment systems for in-app purchases. And for those who prefer to use the payment system offered by Microsoft, the Redmond firm's commission is 15% while the commissions charged by Apple can go up to 30%.
i-nfo.fr - Official iPhon.fr app
By : Keleops AG
