Technology
Epic Games accuses Apple of undermining Brazilian App Store settlement
A new petition to Brazil's antitrust authority alleges Apple is using technical obstacles and excessive reporting to restrict alternative app marketplaces.
The short version
- Epic Games filed a complaint with Brazil's antitrust regulator, CADE, claiming Apple is failing to properly implement an App Store antitrust settlement.
- The petition alleges that Apple improperly excluded iPadOS, created a burdensome nine-step external installation process with warning screens, and instituted intrusive reporting rules.
- CADE has ordered Apple to submit a formal response to the allegations by Monday.
Key facts
- Epic Games submitted a petition to Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), alleging Apple created structural, technical, and access barriers against alternative app distribution.[9to5Mac]
- Apple had previously agreed to allow alternative iOS marketplaces and external payment systems in Brazil following an antitrust probe initiated by MercadoLibre.[9to5Mac]
- Epic claims the settlement should encompass iPadOS alongside iOS and criticizes Apple's nine-step installation process and warning screens for dissuading users from downloading external apps.[9to5Mac]
- Epic's filing contends that Apple's developer reporting requirements exceed fee calculation needs and allow Apple to monitor rival business models.[9to5Mac]
- Brazilian regulator CADE set a deadline for Apple to formally respond to Epic's petition by Monday.[9to5Mac]