Fortnite-maker Epic to appeal ruling in Apple lawsuit

Fortnite-maker Epic Games said in a court filing on Sunday that it would appeal a federal judge’s Friday ruling in its case against Apple. 

The federal judge ordered Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions by allowing developers to place buttons and links in their apps to direct users to external payment methods. The iPhone-maker was also ordered to let devs communicate with users via contact information they provide while signing up for the apps. 

Also Read: Apple agrees to let developers inform users about external payment methods

However, the judge didn’t order Apple to lift its rule which forbids developers to use third-party in-app payment systems. The iPhone-maker will also be able to continue charging in app purchase fees of up to 30%.  

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said that the ‘’ruling isn’t a win for developers or for consumers.“

In a company statement, Apple said: “As the Court recognized ‘success is not illegal. Apple faces rigorous competition in every segment in which we do business, and we believe customers and developers choose us because our products and services are the best in the world.“

Late last month, the South Korean parliament passed a bill to require app store operators including Apple and Google to accept third party in-app payment systems.

Following the news, Epic said it asked Apple to restore its Fortnite developer account so that it can re-release the game in the country in compliance with the new law. However, Apple said that the law won’t require it to accept any developer program account.