Apple is still suing Russia for alleged App Store piracy. According to 9to5Mac and RT, Apple has requested a judicial review of an August Federal Antimonopoly Service warning that allows developers to mention alternatives to the App Store’s in-app payment system.
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FAS gave Apple until September 30th to change its policies, but despite the threat of a fine, the company refused.
The opposition is similar to Apple’s legal battles in the United States. The judge in Epic’s lawsuit against Apple ordered the tech company to allow App Store developers to point to alternative payment systems, but Apple appealed the injunction in the hopes of delaying the implementation.
The court denied Apple’s request, and the company now has until December 9th to allow app developers to point to alternative options. In 2022, Apple will make exceptions to its policy for certain media apps.
Pushbacks like those seen in the United States and Russia are unsurprising. Apple continues to make the majority of its money from hardware sales, but its services business is expanding.
Easier third-party alternatives could theoretically reduce App Store revenue, as well as increase the likelihood of rogue apps redirecting users to malicious websites. However, the iPhone maker may not have much of a choice.
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Regulators are concerned that Apple’s approach stifles choice and competition, and they are unlikely to ignore the issue.
