The Fortnite developer, Epic Games, catapulted this issue to the forefront by making it a central point in its antitrust lawsuit against Apple in 2020. In a landmark ruling in 2021, the judge sided with Epic Games on this issue, marking a significant legal setback for Apple. Subsequently, Apple has expended significant effort over the past two years fighting against this particular aspect of the ruling.
In a parallel move, Epic Games has also approached the Supreme Court, seeking reconsideration of portions of the lower court’s verdict to maintain its antitrust claims against Apple. The unfolding legal battle between these tech giants is poised to shape the future dynamics of app stores, app development, and the broader digital ecosystem. The outcome of this Supreme Court showdown holds profound implications for the entire tech industry, making it a case closely watched by developers, businesses, and consumers alike.
