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☆ Apple backs down against ‘Fortnite"-maker Epic Games amid EU investigation threat
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Apple relenting means Epic will be able to bring “Fortnite” back to iPhones in Europe, Epic said in a blog post. “Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. Apple said it reached the decision “following conversations with Epic” in which Epic committed to following Apple’s new EU-focused policies. “Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program,” Apple said in a statement. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney wrote back to Apple promising to abide by its terms, but Apple rescinded the developer account anyway.

Persons: “, Fortnite, Fortnite ”, Apple, ” Apple, Thierry Breton, Tim Sweeney, ” Organizations: CNN, Apple, European Union, European Commission, Markets, Apple Developer, EU Locations: Europe, iPhones, pushback

☆ Apple reverses course, approves Epic Games for app store in Europe
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Apple has approved Epic Games' developer account in Sweden, which will allow the company to offer a competing app store on iPhones in Europe under a new antitrust regulation, the Digital Markets Act. Still, according to emails provided by Epic Games, a lawyer for Apple rejected Sweeney's statement and blocked Epic's European account. An Apple spokesperson confirmed that Epic Games' account had been restored after Epic told Apple it will follow its platform policies. Epic Games said it would use the account to publish Fortnite for iPhones in Europe as well as its own Epic Games store. The conflict between Epic Games and Apple goes back to 2020, when Epic Games updated the shooter game Fortnite to bypass Apple's 30% cut of App Store sales.

Persons: Tim Sweeney, Apple, Phil Schiller, Sweeney, Schiller, — Organizations: Epic Games, Apple, Games, Digital, Epic, Apple App, European Commission, Markets, Apple Developer, CNBC Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Sweden, iPhones, Europe, U.S, California

Apple has reversed course under regulatory pressure and cleared the way for a nettlesome adversary, video game maker Epic Games, to set up an alternative store for iPhone apps in Europe. Apple attributed the change of heart to reassurances from Epic that it won't violate its requirements for getting access to iPhone owners. Epic had brazenly broke the rules in the U.S. in 2020 to trigger an antitrust lawsuit alleging Apple's App Store is a monopoly. Apple had rejected Epic's attempt to set up an account that would have allowed it to set up an alternative store for downloading iPhone apps — something that Apple has held exclusive control over for more than 15 years. Apple is demanding more than $73 million from Epic to cover its fees in the U.S. antitrust case over the App Store.

Persons: brazenly, Apple, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney Organizations: Apple, Epic, Epic Games, European Commission Locations: Europe, U.S, Sweden

☆ Sweeping EU rules for tech giants take effect today. Here’s what’s changing
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

The new EU regulations force sweeping changes on some of the world’s most widely used tech products, including Apple’s app store, Google search and messaging platforms, including Meta’s WhatsApp. Its broad obligations affect six of the world’s largest tech companies: Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. While the law could increase demand for tech companies to extend EU-specific features to other markets, few platforms have shown signs they plan to do so. Tech pushes backBut some tech companies have pushed back on the DMA, warning that it could lead to unintended consequences. “The changes the DMA requires will inevitably cause a gap” between EU users’ security and the security Apple users enjoy outside the EU, it added.

Persons: Meta’s, Apple, Bing, Elon Musk’s, “ Fortnite, ”, Agustin Reyna, “, Apple’s, ” Apple, Reyna, ” BEUC, Tim Sweeney, Meta —, Daniel Friedlaender, CCIA, Friedlaender, Olesya Dmitracova Organizations: Washington CNN, Apple, Google, Union citizens, Big Tech, Spotify, Netflix, Digital Markets, Meta, Microsoft, European Commission, EU, YouTube, Epic, Consumer, Tech, Games, CNN, Computer, Communications Industry Association Locations: United States, Europe

The overhaul rolling out Thursday only in the Europe represents the biggest changes to the iPhone's App Store since Apple introduced the concept in 2008. Among other things, people in Europe can download iPhone apps from stores that aren't operated by Apple and are getting alternative ways to pay for in-app transactions. That came during testimony in a May 2021 trial resulting in a U.S. judge ruling that the App Store isn't a monopoly. In that decision, the judge required Apple to begin allowing links to outside payment options inside iPhone apps in the U.S. Apple still doesn't permit alternative iPhone app stores in the U.S. or more than 100 other countries outside the EU.

Persons: Apple, Tim Sweeney, Steve Jobs, Epic's Sweeney, ” Apple Organizations: Apple, Union, Digital Markets, Spotify, Epic, European Commission, U.S, Regulators, Google, Facebook, Apple Watch, Supreme, EU Locations: Europe, Apple’s, Sweden, U.S, It's

☆ Epic Games says Apple retaliated over lawsuits by banning company's developer account
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Apple has rejected Epic Games' application for a developer account it would use to launch an app store for iPhones in Europe, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said Wednesday. The relationship between Apple and Epic Games has been confrontational since Epic sued Apple in 2020 over whether Fortnite could evade Apple's App Store rules and bypass its 30% cut of game sales. The spat highlights global regulatory threats to Apple's App Store sales, a profitable division for Apple reported under its services business. Sweeney said Wednesday that Epic planned to introduce a new app store in Europe to distribute Fortnite and other games. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO:WATCH: Epic Games lawsuit

Persons: Apple, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Phil Schiller, Schiller Organizations: Games, Apple, Apple App, Epic Games, Digital Markets, Spotify, Epic, Sweden, CNBC Locations: iPhones, Europe, California, Sweden

☆ A server in Michigan who got part of a $10,000 tip from a mourning customer says she was fired by the restaurant just days later
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A diner left a $10,000 tip on a $32.43 meal at a café in Michigan on February 5. Just eight days later, the employee who served the diner was fired, her lawyer told The Guardian. AdvertisementA server in Michigan who got part of a $10,000 tip left by a solo diner said that the restaurant fired her eight days later after the tip led to a dispute among staff about who got to pocket the money. After Huff refused, the café fired her, McManus said. On Tuesday 13, she was told that she was fired, she wrote in the post, per The Free Press.

Persons: —, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Jennifer McManus, Linsey Huff, Huff, Boyd, McManus, Mason Jar, Jayme Cousins, Cousins, Abel Martinez, Mason Organizations: Guardian, Service, Facebook, Detroit Free Press, Free Press, Business Locations: Michigan, Benton Harbor

☆ A man left a $10,000 tip on a $32 bill at a Michigan restaurant. The manager says it was a tribute to a friend who recently died.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewA man left a $10,000 tip on a $32 bill while dining out at a restaurant in Michigan. AdvertisementThe $10,000 tip meant the man had tipped about 30,835% of his bill. In September, a group of people dining at a Mexican restaurant in Utah left a $10,000 tip. And in July 2022, a customer at a Pennsylvania restaurant left a $3,000 tip on a $13.25 bill. The Mason Jar Cafe did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular office hours.

Persons: —, Mason, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Paige Mulick, It's Organizations: Service, Business, Facebook, Western Michigan University, Forbes, Business Insider Locations: Michigan, Benton Harbor, Mexican, Utah, Pennsylvania

☆ Disney to take $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, work with Fortnite maker on new content
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Disney is investing $1.5 billion for a stake in Epic Games, CEO Bob Iger said Wednesday, in its biggest bet yet on the gaming space. "Our exciting new relationship with Epic Games will bring together Disney's beloved brands and franchises with the hugely popular Fortnite in a transformational new games and entertainment universe," said Iger in a statement. Disney did not say what the valuation of Epic, a private company, would be after the Disney funding. "Now we're collaborating on something entirely new to build a persistent, open and interoperable ecosystem that will bring together the Disney and Fortnite communities." Aside from Fortnite, Epic Games is well-known for challenging Apple and Google in court to force them to lower their app store fees.

Persons: Bob Iger, Disney, Iger, Fortnite, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Kif Leswing Organizations: Disney, Epic Games, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Star, Lego, Harmonix, Apple, Google, CNBC PRO Locations: Fortnite

☆ Apple wants to know what developers really think about its App Store changes. It may regret asking.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewApple is about to find out what developers really make of its App Store shake-up . The iPhone maker has started to offer 30-minute online consultations to any app maker seeking to give feedback on a raft of controversial changes made to its App Store last month . To address lawmakers' concerns, Apple set about allowing third-party app stores onto iOS. AdvertisementFor one, it can expect to hear strong thoughts about rules dictating which third-party app stores will be allowed onto its operating systems. That said, it's still open to talk about topics including alternative distribution on iOS, alternative payments in the App Store, and more.

Persons: —, Tim Sweeney, Daniel Ek, Don Emmert, Sarah Bond, Apple, Sweeney, It's, Zach Meyers, it's Organizations: Service, Union's, Business, Apple, EU, Epic, iOS, Getty, Center, European Locations: Cupertino , London, Singapore, AFP, @Zach_CER

☆ The Vision Pro needs apps. Now is not a good time for Apple to be at odds with developers.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewWhen Apple launches the Vision Pro on Friday, it could really do with developers lapping it up. Given the price tag, Apple watchers aren't expecting the Vision Pro to fly off the shelves immediately. AdvertisementTo spur future consumer sales then, Apple really needs developers onside to help make the Vision Pro a success. In theory, it means developers aren't strictly limited to releasing their apps to Apple users through its own App Store. More broadly, it puts Apple and developers at odds with each other at a moment when Apple really needs apps for Vision Pro.

Persons: —, It's, aren't, Apple Apple, Daniel Ek, Ek, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Apple, Apps, Mark Gurman Organizations: Service, Apple, Business, Vision, European Union, bloc's, Epic, Microsoft, Valve, Vision Pro

☆ Apple was just forced to crack open its App Store — but the changes are already being called 'hot garbage'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Apple just did something unthinkable: it opened up its App Store. AdvertisementApple's absolute rule over the App Store has just been broken for the first time since its launch in 2008. Developers in the EU could previously only sell apps through Apple's App Store. It means developers can simply bypass the App Store. Did... did Apple just introduce the equivalent of Unity's runtime install fee... but for all iOS app developers in the EU?!

Persons: —, Peter Kafka, Apple, Tim Sweeney, Tim Sweeny, Rachel Luna, Stringer Apple, Sweeney, Nikita Bier, Eric Seufert, Heracles Capital, Seufert, Ashley Gullen, Z7KMiWEqmD — Ashley Gullen Organizations: Apple, Service, European Union, Digital, Epic, Microsoft, Valve, Heracles, European, Unity, European Commission Locations: iPhones, EU

☆ Why a Supreme Court decision means Apple's App Store is as powerful — and profitable — as ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Peter Kafka | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewIf you were scanning headlines yesterday you might have seen something about the Supreme Court forcing Apple to open up its powerful App Store. What yesterday's court decision — and, crucially Apple's response to the decision — means is that Apple's control over its powerful and very profitable App Store remains 100% intact. In 2020, Epic argued that Apple's control of its App Store — and, crucially, the way developers like Epic had to use Apple's App Store to sell "in-app" items like power-ups and other digital goods — was a monopoly. Apple's App Store prints money. In 2021, a US judge announced that games represent 70% of Apple's App Store topline.

Persons: —, Apple, Tim Sweeney, Fortnite — Organizations: Service, Apple, Business, Epic Games, Epic, Big Tech, Meta, Google, European Union, Spotify Locations: EU

☆ Here's what Apple had to change as a result of the Epic Games legal battle
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Apple changed the rules of its U.S. App Store on Tuesday in what appears to be the final result from the long-running Epic Games antitrust challenge against Apple. The shift is the most tangible result from Epic Games' legal challenge to the App Store. However, it doesn't go far enough for Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, he said in a statement on Tuesday. "The court battle to open iOS to competing stores and payments is lost in the United States," Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said. You will be responsible for addressing such issues with customers," Apple said in the email.

Persons: Tim Cook, Apple, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney Organizations: Apple Inc, Apple Worldwide Developers, Apple, U.S, Supreme, Epic Games, Epic Locations: San Jose , California, U.S, United States, Netherlands, South Korea

☆ Apple risks a hit to its sales after Supreme Court declines to review Epic’s app store case
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Apple estimated in 2022 that developers generated $1.1 trillion in the App Store that year, making the high court’s decision not to hear the case a major blow to Apple. It also highlights how a lawsuit triggered by “Fortnite”-maker Epic Games appears to have resulted in lasting changes to Apple’s app store, affecting potentially millions of apps across iOS. That court order, first issued by a federal district court in Apple’s landmark antitrust battle against Epic Games, could affect potentially millions of app developers, Apple said in its Supreme Court filings. The lower courts in the Apple case have held that Apple is not a monopolist in app distribution. At the same time, however, a federal jury last month issued a unanimous verdict finding that Google’s app store violates federal antitrust laws.

Persons: “ Fortnite, Apple, Apple didn’t, Tim Sweeney Organizations: CNN, Apple, US, Epic, Epic Games, Google, Android Locations: Apple’s

The appeal stemmed from an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2020 by Epic Games, maker of the popular Fortnite video game. Epic lost its broader claim that Cupertino, California-based Apple was violating federal antitrust law, and the justices also rejected Epic's appeal Tuesday. That change would make it easier for developers to avoid paying Apple’s commissions ranging from 15% to 30%. Apple's shares declined by 2% in Tuesday's early afternoon trading, leaving the company with a market value of about $2.8 trillion. Apple ousted Epic from its app store after it tried to get around Apple's restrictions.

Persons: —, Apple, Apple didn't, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Tim Sweeney Organizations: WASHINGTON, Epic Games, Apple, Microsoft, U.S, Google Locations: California, Cupertino , California, U.S, Apple's, Cary , North Carolina, San Ramon , California

His portrayal came in testimony in an antitrust trial focused on Epic Games' attempt to upend Google's store for Android phone apps. It's similar to a payment system that Epic unsuccessfully challenged in a parallel lawsuit filed against Apple's iPhone app store. Sweeney said Google tried to entice him with a wide range of financial incentives, which he rejected. After rejecting Google's overtures, Epic tried to distribute Fortnite for Android through its own website. “It's an issue I see as existential to all games, including Epic,” Sweeney said.

Persons: Tim Sweeney, Sundar Pichai, Sweeney, Jonathan Kravis, Kravis, ” Sweeney, Fortnite, Sweeney didn't Organizations: FRANCISCO, Google, Games, Washington , D.C, U.S, Supreme, Activision, Android, Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, PlayStation Locations: San Francisco, Washington ,, View , California

☆ Epic Games goes to court to challenge Google’s app store practices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The legal battle follows a years-long debate about whether app store operators such as Google and Apple foster an open, competitive app ecosystem. The court fight traces back to 2020, when Epic launched Project Liberty, a plan to circumvent Apple and Google’s app store terms. Epic updated the Fortnite app to encourage players to pay for in-app content directly through Epic’s own website — rather than through Apple and Google’s in-app payment systems. That gambit triggered a violation of the app stores’ developer terms. The move also prompted both app stores to remove the Fortnite app from their platforms.

Persons: ”, Sundar Pichai, Tim Sweeney, Fortnite, Sweeney, Wilson White, they’ve Organizations: CNN, Google, Court, Apple, Epic, Liberty, Supreme Locations: California’s

☆ Epic Games goes to court to challenge Google’s App store practices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Persons: ”, Sundar Pichai, Tim Sweeney, Fortnite, Sweeney, Wilson White, they’ve Organizations: CNN, Google, Court, Apple, Epic, Liberty, Supreme Locations: California’s

The case targeting Google's Play Store is being brought by Epic Games, the maker of the popular Fortnite video game, which lost in a similar 2021 trial focused on many of the same issues in Apple's iPhone app store. Match is receiving $40 million and adopting Google's “user choice billing" system in its settlement. The terms of the resolution with the state attorneys general is expected to be revealed during Google's trial with Epic. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney skewered the “user choice billing” option as a sham in a social media post vowing to fight Google in court. Wilson White, Google's vice president of government affairs and public policy, accused Epic of trying to get “something for nothing” in a blog post.

Persons: District Judge James Donato, Sundar Pichai, Pichai, Google’s, U.S . Justice Department’s, Donato, Google's, Tim Sweeney skewered, Sweeney, Wilson White, White, ” Organizations: FRANCISCO, Google, Epic Games, Apple, U.S, Supreme, Android, District, Inc, Washington D.C, U.S ., Match Group Locations: San Francisco federal, U.S, Washington

☆ 'Fortnite' maker Epic Games is battling Google in court over app-store fees 2 years after largely losing a similar case against Apple
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A jury will decide if Google Play has been illegally driving up prices for consumers and developers. Epic Games, the maker of the popular "Fortnite" video game, brought the case against Google. Google recently resolved a case being pursued by the owner of Tinder and other online dating services. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe case targeting Google's Play Store is being brought by Epic Games, the maker of the popular "Fortnite" video game, which largely lost in a similar 2021 trial focused on many of the same issues in Apple's iPhone app store. The terms of the resolution with the state attorneys general is expected to be revealed during Google's trial with Epic.

Persons: —, District Judge James Donato, Sundar Pichai, Pichai, Google's, U.S . Justice Department's, Donato, Tim Sweeney skewered, Sweeney, Wilson White, White Organizations: Epic, Google, Service, U.S, District, Inc, Washington D.C, U.S ., Epic Games, Apple, Supreme, Android, Match Group Locations: San Francisco federal, Washington, U.S

☆ Tinder owner Match Group settles antitrust claims against Google’s app store
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington, DC CNN —Online dating giant Match Group has dropped a closely watched antitrust lawsuit against Google’s app store, the two companies said Tuesday, days before a trial set to begin in San Francisco federal court. The settlement between the search giant and the owner of sites such as Match, Tinder and Hinge resolves allegations that Google harmed competition through its app store terms. It permits Match Group to provide users alternative ways to pay for in-app content without requiring them to use Google’s proprietary payment channels. Developer complaints about high app store fees — charged by app store owners such as Google — have reached a fever pitch in recent years, along with related allegations about other restrictive app store terms. The outcome of the app store cases could shape the livelihoods of app developers and determine the flow of billions of dollars in economic activity.

Persons: Tim Sweeney, ” Sweeney, ” Organizations: DC CNN —, Google, Epic Games, Apple, Supreme, Match Locations: Washington, San Francisco federal

☆ Alphabet, Match settle Google Play antitrust claims before US trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Mike Scarcella | Companies Need To Integrate Climate Reporting Across Functions To Comply With California S New Law | Henry Engler | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 31 (Reuters) - Alphabet (GOOGL.O)'s Google has settled claims by dating app developer Match Group that it monopolized Android app distribution with its Play Store, leaving “Fortnite” maker Epic Games as the sole plaintiff in an antitrust trial against Google set to begin Nov. 6. Match said in a filing in San Francisco federal court on Tuesday that it had resolved its allegations against Google. In a statement, Google said it was “pleased to reach a settlement agreement with Match Group.” Google also recently settled related antitrust claims from U.S. states and consumers for undisclosed terms. Epic and Match accused Google of maintaining an unlawful monopoly in the distribution of Android apps. Google is separately facing U.S. and state antitrust allegations in other U.S. courts over its advertising technology business and its dominance in the web search industry.

Persons: Annegret, “, District Judge James Donato, Tim Sweeney, Mike Scarcella, David Bario, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Google, Arena, REUTERS, Epic, Match, U.S, District, Apple, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, San Francisco federal, U.S, San Francisco

☆ Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, to lay off 16% of its workforce
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, said on Thursday that it will lay off 16% of its staff, around 830 employees, as it attempts to reverse what CEO Tim Sweeney called “unrealistic” spending. He added that Epic plans to divest from the online independent music platform Bandcamp, which it bought last year and which will now be acquired by the music marketplace firm Songtradr. Epic will also spin off most of its marketing division SuperAwesome into a standalone company. About two-thirds of Epic’s Thursday layoffs will impact employees outside the company’s “core development” teams, Sweeney said. “We’re cutting costs without breaking development or our core lines of businesses so we can continue to focus on our ambitious plans,” Sweeney said.

Persons: Fortnite, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, ” “, ” Sweeney, “ Organizations: CNN, Microsoft, Google, LinkedIn

☆ Epic Games is laying off about 830 employees, divesting Bandcamp
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Epic Games logo, maker of the popular video game "Fortnite", is pictured on a screen in this picture illustration August 14, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Illustration Acquire Licensing RightsSept 28 (Reuters) - "Fortnite" maker Epic Games is laying off about 830 employees, or 16% of its staff, and divesting online music platform Bandcamp, the company said on Thursday. The videogame company will also spin-off most of SuperAwesome, which Epic Games acquired in 2020. SuperAwesome is a platform for developers to include kid-safety tools in their products. The videogame industry is struggling with a slowdown in spending as inflation-weary gamers become more selective in picking popular titles.

Persons: Brendan McDermid, Tim Sweeney, Sweeney, Harry Potter, Chavi Mehta, Samrhitha, Jaspreet Singh, Arun Koyyur, Maju Samuel Organizations: REUTERS, Epic Games, Warner Bros Discovery, Apple, U.S, Supreme, Thomson Locations: SuperAwesome, Bengaluru

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