Apple is still fighting against the Russia for alleged abuse on the App Store. Both 9to5Mac and RT editors report that Apple is seeking a judicial review of a Federal Antimonopoly Service August which allows developers to add alternatives to the in-app payment system of the App Store. The agency asked Apple to change its policies by September 30, but the company refused to change its rules despite the threat of a fine.
Apple against Russia for App Store payments
Russia’s opposition to Apple’s policies is, in a sense, a mirror of the company’s legal battles in the country United States. It is no coincidence that the judge in Epic’s case against Apple ordered the company to allow developers to indicate other payment systems in theApp Store, but Apple filed an appeal against the injunction in hopes of a delay.
The court then dismissed Apple’s claim and the company will have until December 9 to allow app manufacturers to designate these alternative payment systems. A ruling that was seen as a great victory for Epic, and which has not failed to attract the attention of overseas superpowers, with Russia now making essentially the same request to the company.
On the other hand, pushbacks such as those in the United States and Russia shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Apple still earns most of its revenues through hardware sales, but its service business is growing. Easier payment alternatives available to third parties could theoretically hurt App Store revenues, not to mention the increase in apps that can direct users to malicious sites.
In any case, the Cupertino company doesn’t seem to have much choice, at the moment. Authorities are concerned that Apple’s approach will stifle choice and competition, and the whole issue is unlikely to settle in a soap bubble by now.