The tech giant files a notice of appeal and asks to suspend orders from a US district judge who would demand changes to its App Store.
Apple on Friday began appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in its legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games.
The two companies have feuded since last year over how the iPhone and iPad app store works, leading to a lawsuit in which Rogers ruled largely in Apple’s favor.
However, it issued one ruling stating that Apple should allow app developers to add buttons, links, and other information about alternative payment methods to their apps, potentially bypassing Apple’s in-app payment systems and up to 30% of fees charged by the tech giant.
Apple said in its filing on Friday that the ruling could harm both itself and its customers, and requested that Apple continue as usual during the appeal.
Delaying the entry into force of the judge’s decision, Apple said in a statement, will allow Apple “to protect consumers and protect its platform while the company tackles complex and rapidly evolving legal, technological and economic issues.”
In September, Apple called the judge’s decision “a huge victory.” Epic declined to comment.
Apple’s filing is the latest twist in the ongoing legal battle over the iPhone and iPad App Store. Apple only allows iPhone and iPad apps to be downloaded through the App Store, which was initially launched in 2008. which include reducing in-app purchases on their devices, violate antitrust laws.
Rogers, in its ruling last month, said Epic failed to support its case, but it also criticized Apple’s business practices. “Common threads run through Apple’s practices that unreasonably restrict competition and harm consumers,” she wrote in a 185-page ruling in September. Since then, Epic has also appealed the judge’s ruling. Meanwhile, Apple has not allowed Fortnite to return to its App Store, reportedly because Epic has violated its developer policies.
Apple requested a hearing on November 16 to discuss the delay request. Meanwhile, Epic is expected to start opening the case for its appeal in December.
