Apple has recently encountered a notable setback in its ongoing legal struggle with Epic Games. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Apple’s emergency request to suspend key elements of a lower court ruling that requires the company to make its App Store accessible to greater competition. This development comes on the heels of a contempt ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who determined that Apple violated her initial injunction.
The judge pointed out multiple infractions, such as Apple’s enforcement of a 27% charge on transactions conducted outside of the app and its attempts to dissuade developers from directing users to alternative payment options. Apple’s emergency appeal contended that the ruling obstructed its capacity to handle vital business operations and compelled it to grant free access to its services.
With the court’s dismissal of Apple’s motion, the compliance mandates put forth by the lower court will remain operational while the company continues its appeal. Apple intended to pause these mandates until a conclusive decision was made, which would enable it to reverse the recent changes it was required to implement.
As Apple moves forward with its appeals process, developers are presently enjoying fewer restrictions enforced by the company. The situation continues to evolve, and additional updates may arise as Apple reacts to the court’s ruling.
