Apple accuses Epic Games of dodging App Store fees

Apple has once again accused Epic Games of trying to bypass App Store rules — this time in an Australian court. According to Apple’s legal team, Epic is “seeking a free ride on its platform” by demanding the right to distribute its apps on iPhones without paying commissions.

Apple argues that Epic’s demands contradict previous court rulings affirming the company’s right to charge fees for the use of its intellectual property.

The two companies have been in a long-running legal battle over Apple’s 30% App Store commission. Epic previously won a case in the United States, securing the right to process in-app payments through its own system rather than Apple’s. In response, Apple announced it would continue collecting fees even from transactions that occur outside the App Store — a move that prompted another lawsuit, which Epic also won.

Apple maintains that the App Store’s strict policies are essential for user privacy and security. The company claims that removing its restrictions would lead to an increase in malware, fraud, and data privacy risks. Still, in the European Union, where alternative app stores are now legally permitted, Apple continues to review third-party software and apply security measures such as iOS sandboxing.

“Epic is now asking to free ride on Apple's platform and dismantle every safeguard we've put in place to protect users and developers, a request that goes well beyond the Court's ruling. We will continue to seek an outcome that respects our intellectual property and protects the safe, secure experience consumers and developers expect from our platform.”

According to Australian media, the court appears largely sympathetic to Epic’s position, recognizing that users should have the right to install apps freely. However, Apple continues to push for the right to collect compensation even from software distributed outside the App Store.