• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Law

Judge Rules Epic Can Dodge Apple’s In-App Purchase Fee

  • Epic Games can avoid Apple’s 30% developer fee on purchases within “Fortnite” and other games, after a judge’s ruling on Friday.
  • The judge said that the court did not determine if Apple holds a monopoly.
apple_logo
Design: Alex Brooks

The Epic Games v. Apple verdict is in, and the company with the world’s largest market cap will have to make changes to how they do business.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that while the court cannot determine if it represents a monopoly in the digital mobile gaming transactions market, Apple is engaging in anti-competitive behavior under California law.

The result? Apple is “permanently restrained and enjoined” from blocking developers’ attempts to direct users to external links, stores, and payment systems.

While Epic wasn’t able to prove its core claim that Apple holds a monopoly, it got what it ultimately wanted: It can now direct players of “Fortnite” and other games to its own software environment for in-app purchases, thus avoiding Apple’s 30% developer fee.

The court, which valued the mobile gaming market at $100 billion, provided insights into the Apple App Store that the company has been reluctant to share.

  • Gaming apps account for about 70% of App Store revenue — and the store, Judge Gonzalez Rogers wrote, earns “extraordinarily high profit margins.” 
  • App Store spending is lopsided: 80% of its users generate virtually no revenue. The gamers generating 70% of store revenue represent less than 10% of all App Store consumers.
  • Apple holds around 55% of app store market share, which, the judge determined, does not itself constitute antitrust: “Success is not illegal.”

However, Judge Gonzalez Rogers concluded that Apple’s “anti-steering provisions hide critical information from consumers and illegally stifle consumer choice … a nationwide remedy to eliminate those provisions is warranted.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Spectrum

ESPN Streaming Service at Core of New Spectrum Plan

The No. 1 U.S. distributor further blends linear and streaming TV.

MLB Nears Media Shake-Up: ESPN, NBC, Netflix In, Apple Out?

Sources told FOS that local rights are of particular interest to ESPN.
exclusive

MLS Commissioner On Apple TV Deal: Critics ‘Don’t Get It Yet’

“We’re just early,” Garber told FOS when pressed about the deal.
Dec 7, 2024; New York, New York, USA; A general view of Times Square during the MLS Cup Times Square Watch Party prior to the game between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls.

MLS Reveals Apple TV Streaming Numbers, Raising Questions

The league gives a rare glimpse inside the high-profile streaming pact.

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium.

UK Judge Rules John Textor Owes $97M Tied to Failed Soccer Deal

Textor plans to appeal, while Iconic Sports intends to collect.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
October 15, 2025

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.
FBI
October 17, 2025

Former Everton Bidder Indicted for $500 Million Fraud Scheme

777 Partners failed to complete its purchase of Everton in 2023.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
October 13, 2025

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.