Apple is facing accusations from major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft, who claim that the tech giant is not complying with a court order in its trial against Epic Games. The dispute revolves around Apple’s App Store rules, particularly its 15 to 30 percent fees on in-app purchases, which have sparked controversy among app developers.

In an amicus brief filed with the court, Meta, Microsoft, Match Group, and X expressed their concerns about Apple’s compliance plans, arguing that they would not introduce more price competition for app payments. The brief highlights the ongoing battle between Apple and app developers regarding the display of alternative payment options outside of the iOS ecosystem.

According to the brief, Apple’s proposed solution to allow developers to point to an external purchase link is deemed complex and burdensome. The companies assert that Apple’s new restrictions are designed to render alternatives to its in-app purchase system impractical for developers and unappealing to consumers, thus circumventing the spirit and goals of the injunction issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in 2021.

Epic Games, the plaintiff in the trial against Apple, has also urged the judge to enforce the original order, claiming that Apple is in blatant violation of the injunction. The involvement of other major developers, such as Meta and Microsoft, in the dispute underscores the far-reaching impact of Apple’s rules, demonstrating that even the largest tech companies are affected.

The amici argue that Apple’s 12 to 27 percent fee on external purchases undermines the purpose of the new requirement, as it only represents a marginal difference from the fees imposed on in-app purchases. This fee could potentially make it financially unfeasible for developers to establish an external payments system, given the additional transaction costs they would incur. Moreover, consumers are unlikely to opt for the external option if the price remains the same as Apple’s system.