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Epic Games antitrust trial verdict
Apple must loosen its grip on payments, but App Store passes antitrust test
BY ALEX SUMMERSBY
US DISTRICT COURT Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ordered Apple to allow apps to offer alternative payment systems in addition to Apple’s own In–App Purchase (IAP) mechanism, and to permit app makers to communicate directly with customers using contact information voluntarily given through in–app account registration.
The ruling concludes the lawsuit brought by Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, against Apple, although Epic has indicated that it intends to appeal. That’s because the ruling is not a “huge blow for the App Store,” as some commentators painted it. Apple is calling it a “resounding victory” because, apart from these “anti-steering” practices, Apple won on every other count in the case.