Epic’s alternative payment options for the iOS version of Fortnite sparked a multi-year antitrust dispute that ultimately resulted in a 2021 injunction at the heart of Apple’s sudden changes. While Epic ultimately lost on most of its arguments, the District Court for Northern California demanded that Apple loosen its restrictions on outside payment options and price messaging. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney posted that Fortnite would return to Apple’s iOS App Store “next week.”
Payment processor Stripe has put together a guide on how iOS developers can use it to “Link out for in-app purchases.” Patreon, the creator patronage app, told The Verge that it was working on an app update and that it was “a huge moment for creators and their businesses,” allowing “creators to get paid without giving Apple 30 percent.”
Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling, which found that Apple had “willfully” disregarded the 2021 injunction, noted that the case had been referred to the District Attorney for Northern California “to investigate whether criminal contempt proceedings are appropriate.” Apple told Ars and other outlets that it strongly disagreed with the decision but would comply and appeal.
