Meta, Microsoft, X (Twitter) and Match Group have spoken out against Apple's intention to charge a 27% fee on payments outside the App Store

Several well-known technology companies have joined Epic Games in opposing Apple's decision to charge a commission for payments on iOS made outside the App Store. Meta, Microsoft, X (Twitter), and Match Group have filed a legal protest, showing support for Epic's case.

Apple was forced to include third-party payments on iOS due to requirements of the Digital Markets Act adopted in the EU and a court ruling in the US. It also must allow alternative app stores for iOS in the EU. The company takes a commission of up to 30% from sales through the App Store. Fearing to lose a significant portion of the commission, Apple has announced that it will charge a commission of up to 27% when developers process purchases outside the App Store.

This month, Epic filed a petition with district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to enforce a permanent injunction she issued against Apple in 2021 as part of her ruling in the case between the two companies. This ruling compelled Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment systems. However, most of Rogers' decisions favored Apple, and both companies appealed the ruling all the way to the Supreme Court. In January, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the appeals.

Now, four companies have supported Epic's petition and claim that the commission Apple charges for external payments effectively maintains the previous rules.

"Apple's plan does not comply with either the letter or the spirit of this Court's mandate," the brief reads.

X noted that the 27% commission does not give developers much incentive to use external payment methods. Microsoft, which is working on its own mobile game store, noted that Apple's latest policy restricts its ability to offer users subscriptions and discounts. Match Group argued that Apple's decision will affect many developers and users, hindering the court's attempt to offer consumers competition in pricing. At the same time, Meta charges more for its ad-free plans and promoted posts in its iOS apps than on the internet.

Apple itself claims that it has complied with the court's ruling.

Epic is preparing to launch its gaming store for iOS and Android later this year. The company plans to charge mobile game developers the same 12% commission as from computer game sales.

Source: Engadget