Apple v. Epic: What happens next to the App Store and Fortnite?

Apple has lost its latest legal battle with Epic Games over App Store commissions. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney says Fortnite will return to the U.S. App Store next week. And with Apple set to report quarterly earnings tomorrow, the timing couldn’t be more pointed. So, what happens now? We’ll share Apple’s official response as soon as one exists. In the meantime, three possible paths lie ahead. Option 1: Comply The more straightforward route would be full compliance. That would mean removing or modifying the 27% fee and allowing app links to external payment options without added friction. Compliance would likely head off contempt penalties and improve Apple’s standing with the court. But it could also weaken Apple’s control over its App Store model—both in the U.S. and globally. Option 2: Negotiate Apple could also pursue a middle-ground approach: negotiating a new implementation framework with Epic and the court. The goal would be to satisfy the injunction while protecting Apple’s busin ... Read full article.