Apple’s Anticompetitive Tactics Under Fire: Judge Orders Halt to Non-App Store Sales Commissions

A federal judge has delivered a scathing rebuke to Apple, ordering the tech giant to cease charging commissions on purchases made outside its App Store. The ruling comes after the company was found to have engaged in anticompetitive conduct and failed to comply with a previous court order.

Apple’s History of Anticompetitive Behavior

This began in 2021, when Apple was accused of violating California law by engaging in anticompetitive behavior. The company’s App Store policies were deemed stifling innovation and competition, prompting the judge to issue an injunction requiring Apple to open up its platform to third-party payment options.

However, Apple failed to comply with the court’s order, choosing instead to maintain its anticompetitive barriers. In a scathing ruling, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers referred the case to federal prosecutors for possible criminal contempt of court, stating that Apple’s actions were “willful” and designed to create new barriers to competition.

The changes required by the court could have a significant impact on Apple’s revenue. The App Store generates billions of dollars each year, with some estimates suggesting that the company could lose tens of billions of dollars annually if forced to comply with the court’s order.

In conclusion, Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling marks a significant turning point in the battle for App Store dominance. As Apple adapts to a new era of competition, consumers can expect more innovative solutions and greater choice in the market. The ruling serves as a reminder that even the largest tech companies must be held accountable for their actions and that the law will not tolerate anticompetitive behavior.