In California, a judge has just stopped Apple’s efforts to dismiss a complaint against it filed by Cydia. According to the latter, the Cupertino company has deployed modifications “ more aggressive in iOS that would have prevented it, in addition to other alternative app stores, from providing apps ” usable for iPhones.
A first complaint against Apple dismissed
Founded by developer Jay Freeman, Cydia provides access to uncertified apps on jailbroken iPhones, but had to stop processing payments within its platform in 2018. In 2020, Freeman filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of notably ” to have acquired and retained monopoly power ” in the distribution and payment of iOS applications, which ended up “ deprive “Third-party app stores” the ability to compete with the App Store », Reports The Verge.
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This January, this initial complaint was nevertheless dismissed by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers; this is the same person who supported Apple in its lawsuit against Epic Games. She justified her decision on the grounds that Cydia’s claims were outside the four-year statute of limitations for antitrust suits; she did, however, give Freeman the opportunity to amend his complaint, and he did.
This time, the developer clarified that the iOS updates that Apple released between 2018 and 2021 constituted acts “ manifestos » harming other distributors; the judge found this argument to be credible. If the Apple brand tried to have it dismissed as well, on the basis that the allegations took place outside the statute of limitations, its request was not accepted by the judge.
30% commission: developers say stop
This case is reminiscent of the conflicts between Epic Games, Apple and Google. As a reminder, the publisher of Fortnite trapped the two technological giants in 2020 by offering an alternative payment method in its game. As a result, Fortnite was removed from the App Store and the Play Store, causing Epic to sue the two companies. in justice. While the trial against Apple has already taken place, the one against Google is scheduled for spring 2023.
Apple is accused of monopolistic behavior by many developers because of the policy in place within its App Store. Photography: James Yarema / Unsplash
In the meantime, Epic has just won a first battle against Google since Bandcamp, which the firm recently acquired, will be able to continue to use its own payment system until the trial. More generally, developers are increasingly resistant to the practices of Google and Apple within their respective application stores. In addition to levying a 30% tax on all in-app purchases, both platforms prevent apps from offering an alternative payment method.
Moreover, a coalition of major companies has formed to denounce the monopoly exercised by the two Silicon Valley giants, and its members have decided to fight back. This is the case of Epic Games, but also of Match Group and Spotify. While the first filed a complaint against Google and won, the second is at the origin of an antitrust investigation into Apple in Europe. Similarly, Amazon recently decided to stop selling digital goods on its Android app.
The authorities want to regulate the App Store and the Play Store more strictly
In addition to the developers, the authorities are also increasingly suspicious of the Google and Apple application stores, so much so that several legislations around the world are likely to soon undermine the two companies. For example, South Korea has just passed a law requiring them to accept third-party payment services on the Play Store and the App Store. For its part, the Netherlands imposed several fines on Apple which refused to allow dating applications in the country to offer an alternative means of payment.
Also in Europe, the Commission agreed on the Digital Markets Act, a pioneering text aimed at regulating tech giants much more strictly. When it comes into force, it will notably force Apple to allow third-party app stores. The noose is also tightening across the Atlantic, where a law called the Open App Markets Act and aimed at preventing the two firms from imposing their own rules on their platforms, as well as fees for application developers, is in preparation.
Google and Apple have actively engaged in lobbying campaigns to prevent these texts from being approved, but it seems that they are feeling the tide change. A few days ago, Apple published the results of two studies to demonstrate the positive impact of the App Store on the global job market, and in particular the importance of the commission it charges within the latter. . According to Cupertino, the tax is so high because its app store guarantees access to a huge, secure marketplace, and allows businesses to get new customers around the world.