The American technology giant Apple must allow developers to forward users of apps to external payment systems. A judge ruled on Friday in the case that game developer Epic Games had brought against Apple.
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The ruling is a serious blow to Apple. Epic Games accuses Apple of abusing its dominant position by requiring apps to use Apple’s payment system and hand over 30 percent of all revenues. A federal judge in the US ruled in favor of Epic Games on Friday after a worldwide lawsuit, but also ruled that the game developer must pay Apple damages for breach of contract.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said there is no evidence that Apple has a monopoly, as Epic Games claimed. “Success is not illegal,” she said.
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The judge’s ruling could have serious consequences for the profitability of the App Store, which is worth 20 billion dollars annually and a profit margin of more than 75 percent. Apple is expected to appeal the decision.
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