Billion damage and free speech: How Apple wants to get rid of the epic disposal

Apple is against the dam break in the US app store: With an urgent application, the group tries to proceed against a disposal that caused massive sensation among iOS developers. A US court ordered last week that Apple must allow developers and providers to place any links in apps-for example, to refer to alternative shopping for digital content on the web. According to the court decision, Apple may not request any commission for the purchases made on the web and buttons on the web, as the company had previously provided.

Billion damage and freedom of expression

Apple can “cost several hundred million to billion to dollars” annually “and therefore represent a” non-resolving damage “, argue lawyers of the company in the application submitted to the responsible appellate court (Epic Games vs. Apple, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, file number 25-2935). The orders are also illegal: Apple cannot be banned to estimate a commission for linked purchases on the web – such a requirement is not part of the original injunctive relief.

Even freedom of expression conjure up Apple’s lawyers from the hat: that the judicial order of Apple is now forcing Apple to “spread the statements of competing developers”-that developers can integrate links with any text in their iPhone app-violate the (first amendment). Apple must tolerate, for example, that app providers write “derogatory statements” for long prescribed in-app purchase interface in their apps about Apple.

In addition to the violation of the first amendment, this is also “an exceptional intervention in property rights”. The new decision “previously prevents Apple from controlling central aspects of business operations” is the group’s conclusion.

US judge sees herself systematically deceived by Apple

The decision in the first instance had made the judge responsible for almost five years between Epic Games and Apple. The collar had obviously burst: she accused Apple of having led the dish behind the light and acting in a targeted manner in order to keep the “illegal sales” from app commission.

Apple therefore had to change its rules and large providers integrated directly in their apps – from Spotify to Patreon to Amazon Kindle. According to an app analysis company, In 2024, Apple alone implemented over $ 10 billion on in-app purchases in its US app store by commission alone. Apple sales with commissions are increasingly under fire-not only in the USA, but also in the EU. The decision now submitted is expected to be decided at the end of May or early June.