Apple has been held in contempt by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rodgers for willfully disregarding the Court's 2021 injunction regarding App Store rules.
Apple's conduct has been referred to the U.S. Attorney for potential criminal prosecution.
Although Apple disagrees with the decision, it will comply with the Court's order while planning to appeal.
The Court's opinion criticizes Apple's response to the injunction, highlighting non-compliance and profit-driven actions.
The ongoing litigation between Epic Games and Apple began due to antitrust issues surrounding Fortnite and the App Store.
Judge Gonzalez Rodgers found that Apple violated California state law by prohibiting developers from linking to external purchasing options in apps.
Apple's response tactics, including using code names for projects, were deemed sneaky by the Court and designed to maximize profits.
The Court's contempt order prohibited Apple from imposing fees on external purchases and restricting developers' linking activities.
Apple's reputation and trust were severely impacted by the Court's findings, highlighting the negative effects of the App Store's practices.
The decision opens up new opportunities for developers and users, allowing for more competition and economic choices.