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Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says 'the long national nightmare of the Apple tax' is over
AppleApple(US:AAPL) Business Insiderยท2025-06-05 19:25

Core Points - Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, achieved a significant legal victory against Apple, leading to changes in the App Store's payment policies [1][2] - Apple is required to allow more competition and alternative payment methods, ending its 27% fee on US developers directing users to external purchases [1][2] - Epic's game Fortnite is set to return to iOS as a result of this ruling [1] Group 1 - The 9th Circuit Court denied Apple's stay, marking the end of what Sweeney referred to as the "Apple tax" [2] - Sweeney expressed optimism for a new era of competition, where developers can inform users about better deals and alternative payment methods [6] - Apple plans to comply with the ruling but intends to appeal the court order [3] Group 2 - Apple reported that its global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, with 90% of transactions not incurring a commission [4] - The App Store attracts over 813 million average weekly visitors, with spending in various categories more than doubling since 2019 [5] - In-app advertising has played a crucial role in keeping many apps free or low-cost for users [5]