Apple Ignores US Court Ruling on Access to Competing Boutiques
Judge Accuses Apple of Non-Compliance in App Store Case
OAKLAND, Calif. — A federal judge in Oakland, California, has accused Apple Inc.of failing to comply with a court order issued more than three years ago. Teh order theoretically compels Apple to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones.
Background of the Case
In September 2021, Magistrate Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple could no longer require app developers to exclusively use the App Store and its payment system. This ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. Epic Games alleged that Apple was abusing its dominant market position and charging excessive commissions.
JudgeS Findings
Though, in a decision dated wednesday, Gonzalez Rogers stated that ”Apple has chosen not to comply with the injunction of this court” and has “created new anti-steering barriers to preserve a precious source of income.”
Based on these findings, Gonzalez Rogers will file a report with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, Patrick Robbins, to determine if criminal proceedings against Apple are warranted.
Apple’s actions Post-Ruling
The judge noted that after her initial decision, Apple implemented a commission of up to 27% for transactions conducted outside the App Store, a fee that did not exist previously.
gonzalez Rogers claims Apple has used technical messages and tools to ”dissuade users from making their purchases otherwise” than through the app Store.
She further alleges that Apple CEO Tim Cook disregarded advice from Phil Schiller, a longtime Apple executive, who suggested adhering to the terms of the original judgment.
The judge also accused an Apple finance service manager of perjury during sworn testimony.
New Orders Issued
In her Wednesday decision, Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to cease taking any commission on transactions made outside the app Store.
She also instructed Apple not to send messages to users seeking to use third-party app stores or payment systems, except to inform them that they are not using the App Store.
Apple’s Response
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP. The company had previously appealed the initial judgment to the Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear the case.
market Impact
Following the news, Apple shares dropped more than 1% in after-hours trading.
Judge Accuses Apple of Non-Compliance in App Store Case: Your Questions Answered
What’s the Main Issue in the Apple App Store Case?
A federal judge in Oakland, California, has accused Apple Inc. of failing to comply with a court order issued more than three years ago regarding allowing choice app stores on its iPhones.
What Court Order Is Apple Accused of Ignoring?
The court order, issued in september 2021 by Magistrate Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, stated that Apple could no longer require app developers to exclusively use the App Store and its payment system. This ruling stemmed from a lawsuit by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.
What Did Epic Games Allege in Their Lawsuit Against Apple?
Epic games alleged that Apple was abusing its dominant market position and charging excessive commissions through its App Store policies.
What Are the Judge’s Specific Findings Regarding Apple’s Non-Compliance?
Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated that “Apple has chosen not to comply with the injunction of this court” and has “created new anti-steering barriers to preserve a precious source of income.”
What Actions Has the Judge taken Based on These Findings?
Based on the findings, Judge Gonzalez Rogers will file a report with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, Patrick Robbins, to determine if criminal proceedings against Apple are warranted.
What Actions Did apple Take After the Initial Ruling?
After the initial decision, Apple implemented a commission of up to 27% for transactions conducted outside the App Store, a fee that did not exist previously.
What Does the Judge Claim Apple Did to Discourage Users from Using alternative App Stores?
Judge Gonzalez Rogers claims that Apple has used technical messages and tools to “dissuade users from making their purchases otherwise” than through the App Store.
What Actions Has Apple Been Ordered to Cease?
In her Wednesday decision, Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to stop taking any commission on transactions made outside the app store. She also instructed Apple not to send messages to users to encourage them to use third-party app stores or payment systems, except to inform them that they are not using the App Store.
What Was Tim Cook’s Alleged Involvement?
The judge alleges that Apple CEO Tim Cook disregarded advice from Phil Schiller, a longtime Apple executive, who suggested adhering to the terms of the original judgment.
Has Apple Responded to the Judge’s Accusations?
Apple did not instantly respond to a request for comment from AFP. The company had previously appealed the initial judgment to the Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear the case.
What Was the Market Impact of this News?
Following the news, apple shares dropped more than 1% in after-hours trading.
What Are the Key Dates and Figures in This Case?
| Aspect | Details |
|———————–|—————————————————|
| Initial Ruling Date | September 2021 |
| Judge’s Name | Magistrate Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers |
| Plaintiff | Epic Games (creator of Fortnite) |
| Accusation | Apple’s failure to comply with the court order |
| Apple’s Response | Did not immediately respond to comment |
| Commission Post-Ruling | Up to 27% on transactions outside App Store |
| Share drop After News | More than 1% in after-hours trading |
