Dozens of attorneys general rally behind Epic Games in Apple conflict

Apple would hinder competition in app distribution, according to 34 attorneys general and the District of Columbia. With the amicus letter, officials are expressing support for Epic Games’ claims about Apple’s alleged App Store monopoly.

In a joint statement to Reuters, the attorneys general said they support Epic Games’ claim; Apple would indeed operate in a monopoly. The statement is part of the appeal process against Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers’ original rulings in the lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple.

Apple’s policies are harmful to mobile app developers and millions of citizens. (…) Meanwhile, Apple continues to monopolize app distribution and in-app payments on iPhones. As a result, the company stifles competition while making “supra-competitive” gains within the nearly trillion-dollar smartphone market.

The iPhone maker has not yet responded to the attorney general’s statement. A response from the company is not expected until March.

The 34 state-mandated equivalents of the federal Attorney General speak on behalf of their respective states. The company is led by Utah, with support from New York, Florida, Texas and the federal District of Columbia, among others.

The initial conclusion of the lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games is largely considered favorable for the former company. Aside from allowing alternative payment options in apps through the App Store, Apple may continue to charge commissions for in-app purchases. The only major sanction against the company was later also postponed. Both companies have appealed since the ruling in September 2021.