In a landmark ruling on April 30, 2025, a federal judge found Apple guilty of deliberately violating a 2021 court order in the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit. The tech giant faces sanctions after an executive lied under oath and the company systematically concealed evidence, potentially leading to criminal contempt proceedings.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers delivered a scathing verdict, determining that Apple wilfully defied her 2021 injunction requiring the company to permit developers to direct users to alternative payment systems outside the App Store. Instead of compliance, Apple implemented new restrictive measures, including a 27% commission on external link purchases and warning screens about security risks.

The court revealed damaging evidence showing Apple executives used code names such as “Project Michigan” to obscure discussions about circumventing court orders. More seriously, an Apple vice president of finance was caught providing false testimony regarding the company’s commission structure, whilst attorneys misused privilege claims to hide documents showing non-compliance.

The sanctions require Apple to cover Epic’s legal fees, with the matter being referred to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt charges. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced plans to appeal, expressing strong disagreement with the ruling. The company defended its link entitlement programme, which saw minimal adoption with only 34 developers participating, though the court found Apple’s additional fees and warnings deliberately discouraged usage.

This ruling represents a significant victory for app developers, who may now circumvent Apple’s traditional 15-30% fees – a change that could significantly impact Apple’s revenue stream. Legal experts noted, “It’s good for developers because it allows them to pay less. It frees it up and makes it cheaper.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced plans to return Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, contingent upon Apple implementing the court’s “friction-free, Apple tax-free framework” globally. The decision marks a crucial turning point in app store economics, challenging Apple’s long-standing control over iOS app payments.

The implications extend beyond Apple, as the U.S. Attorney’s office review could reshape how technology platforms monetise applications and services. This precedent-setting case may trigger similar reforms across other digital marketplaces, including Google Play and alternative app stores.

The ruling demonstrates the judiciary’s willingness to enforce antitrust measures strictly, particularly when faced with systematic attempts to circumvent court orders. As the case proceeds to potential criminal contempt proceedings, it serves as a warning to tech giants about the consequences of defying court mandates.

News Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/30/court-finds-apple-executive-lied-under-oath.html