Apple was unable to appeal the verdict of the court in the case with Epic Games and postpone the relaxation of the App Store rules. The court rejected the company’s appeal and recalled that links to other payment methods should still be available in applications from December 9.
Apple filed an appeal in early October. The company explained this action by saying that it wants to defend “the security of users, developers and the entire iOS platform.” They say they will suffer if buttons with links to alternative payment methods appear in applications. The appeal could allow Apple, if not to overturn the verdict, then at least to postpone it.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers disagreed with Apple’s arguments.
“Apple’s appeal is based on a selective reading of the court’s findings. She ignores all the facts that supported the verdict […] Apple did not provide strong arguments proving that the execution of the verdict of the court will lead to the stated problems,” the judge explained.
Nevertheless, Apple intends to continue to defend its position. The company said it would try to challenge Gonzalez Rogers’ refusal in a higher court. Recall that earlier it was assumed that the consideration of all appeals in the case could be delayed for several years.
Epic Games has not yet commented on the situation.
Recall that the confrontation between the companies has been going on for more than a year. It started last August, after the removal of the Fortnite game from the App Store. The reason was that the developer of the title Epic Games added its own payment system to it and thereby violated the rules of the store.
The court sessions were held in May, and the decision on the case was published on September 10. The judge rejected 9 out of 10 claims of Epic Games, agreeing only that Apple should stop prohibiting developers from using links to other payment methods for purchases in their applications. This outcome did not suit both companies. Epic Games has also filed an appeal, but it is not known when it will be considered.