Partial ruling against Apple, Google in Epic Games lawsuit
Epic Games has long argued that the commission fees charged by Apple and Google on game downloads were excessive, and that the companies’ restrictions made it impossible for users to install Epic’s own app store.
The smartphone app stores of Apple and Google-owned Android were found uncompetitive by an Australian federal court in a partial victory for Fortnite developer, Epic Games, against the tech giants. The decision forms part of a broader global legal battle Epic has pursued against Apple and Google, challenging their control over mobile app distribution and in-app payment systems.
According to Epic Games, the fees charged by Apple and Google for downloads of their games were too high, and their policies made it impossible for users to download its alternative app store. The court did not release its 2,000-page-long judgment, but media reports indicate that the judge’s summary includes the finding that the smartphone companies had not intentionally violated competition law.
An Epic post on X reportedly said that the Australian court “just found that Apple and Google abuse their control over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition. The Epic Games Store and Fortnite will come to iOS in Australia! This is a WIN for developers and consumers in Australia!”
Apple reportedly welcomed the court’s dismissal of certain Epic claims but expressed strong disagreement with its adverse findings. “Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate,” the company stated.
A Google statement reportedly welcomed the court’s rejection of some Epic Games claims but said, “We disagree with the court’s characterisation of our billing policies and practices, as well as its findings regarding some of our historical partnerships, which were all shaped in a fiercely competitive mobile landscape. We will review the full decision when we receive it and assess our next steps.”
The ruling leaves open the possibility of further appeals by either party once the full judgment is made public.