App Store Battle
Epic vs. Apple (August 2020-2021) legal battle began when Epic added direct payment to Fortnite iOS, bypassing Apple’s 30% cut. Apple removed Fortnite; Epic sued; trial exposed App Store’s monopolistic practices.
August 13, 2020: Epic implemented direct payment ($7.99 vs. $9.99 via Apple)
Apple response: Removed Fortnite from App Store within hours
Epic counterattack: Immediately filed lawsuit + launched “Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite” parody video mocking Apple
Trial (May 2021): Exposed Apple’s 30% take, anti-steering rules, anti-competitive practices
Verdict (September 2021): Mixed - Apple not a monopoly but must allow external payment links
Impact:
- Fortnite still banned from iOS (ongoing as of 2023)
- Spotify, Match Group benefited from ruling
- 30% standard questioned industry-wide
Broader significance: Developer revolt against platform fees; similar battles with Google Play Store
Epic sacrificed billions in iOS revenue to challenge app store duopoly.
Sources:
https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/12/22667694/epic-v-apple-trial-fortnite-judge-yvonne-gonzalez-rogers-final-ruling-injunction-breakdown
https://www.polygon.com/