North Korea halts foreign access to new Wonsan resort just weeks in
North Korea has stopped foreign tourists from visiting its new Wonsan-Kalma resort just weeks after it welcomed the first Russian visitors....
A U.S. appeals panel has rejected Apple’s request to pause a ruling that restricts the tech giant from charging commissions on in-app purchases made outside its payment system—delivering a major blow to the company in its long-running legal fight with Epic Games.
Apple suffered a legal setback late Thursday as a three-judge panel denied its request to delay the enforcement of a court order that bans the company from collecting commissions on in-app purchases processed outside its App Store payment system.
The ruling, stemming from a years-long antitrust battle with Epic Games, could redirect billions in potential revenue away from Apple. The April 30 order, issued by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers, not only limited Apple’s commissions but also found the company in civil contempt and recommended a criminal probe into potential perjury by one of its executives.
The ongoing case, launched nearly five years ago by Fortnite creator Epic Games, accuses Apple of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over iPhone app distribution and in-app transactions. Epic challenged Apple’s practice of charging developers 15% to 30% commission and restricting them from directing users to other payment methods.
Although Apple initially complied with previous rulings by allowing limited links to external payment systems, it continued imposing fees of up to 27%—prompting Epic to argue the company had violated the court’s original order. Judge Gonzalez-Rogers sided with Epic in her most recent decision, triggering Apple’s attempt to pause enforcement while appealing to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
With that request now denied, the court’s directive remains in effect, forcing Apple to open the App Store to alternative in-app payment options without charging commissions on those transactions.
In response to the ruling, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney declared, “The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended,” in a celebratory post.
Apple expressed disappointment in the outcome, stating it would continue to pursue its appeal to “ensure the App Store remains an incredible opportunity for developers and a safe and trusted experience for our users.”
This development marks another chapter in the high-profile antitrust showdown that has tested the boundaries of Big Tech power and could have lasting consequences for digital commerce on mobile platforms.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Germany's export slump since 2021 is largely driven by deep-rooted competitiveness issues, the Bundesbank warned in its latest report, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Israeli researchers have unveiled an artificial intelligence tool that can determine a person’s true biological age from tiny DNA samples with remarkable precision.
Two Harry Potter actresses, Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, have each received a six-month driving ban after separate speeding offences, both sentenced on the same day at a Buckinghamshire court.
U.S. markets closed mostly flat Friday, capping a third winning week out of four.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law on Friday, creating the first U.S. regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins and marking a major win for the crypto industry.
Oil prices edged higher on Friday, heading for a small weekly loss, as investors weighed new European Union sanctions against Russia.
As some top global banks scale back climate efforts, India is moving forward with mandatory rules for lenders to report and manage climate-related financial risks.
The Indian rupee is expected to open stronger on Friday, supported by gains in other Asian currencies and a temporary pause in the U.S. dollar index’s upward trend.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment