The investigation against Apple in the Netherlands started in 2019
Last year, a judge in the U.S. hearing Epic Games lawsuit against Apple ruled that the latter must allow developers to inform their subscribers about alternative payment options other than using Apple’s in-app payment platform. But the day before this ruling was to take effect, Apple was granted a stay while it works on appealing the ruling. This could give Apple another few years of collecting its 15% to 30% cut before it is forced to follow the judges’ orders.
After the ACM announced its ruling in the Netherlands, Apple said, “We disagree with the order issued by the ACM and have filed an appeal.” It added that “Apple does not have a dominant position in the market for software distribution in the Netherlands, has invested tremendous resources helping developers of dating apps reach customers and thrive on the App Store.”
What did Tinder parent Match think of the ruling?
Tinder parent Match was overjoyed with the ruling. In an emailed statement the company said, “We applaud the ruling issued today by a Rotterdam Court affirming the ACM’s decision that Apple’s forced use of its in-app payment systems and other practices violate Dutch and EU competition law, and must be eliminated by January 15th.”
The ruling in the Netherlands comes after the South Korean government passed a law forcing firms like Apple and Google to allow developers to use third-party payment platforms. Google says that it will abide by the ruling though it will charge a commission on these purchases. Apple has yet to announce what it intends to do about complying with the Korean government.
Surely Apple can see that the world’s legal systems are ruling against it even if it was able to obtain a stay in the states. Investors hate uncertainty and perhaps it would behoove Apple to rip the adhesive bandage off of its face in one quick (albeit painful) motion and allow third-party payment platforms to compete. Once the markets see that Apple no longer is worried about losing the revenue generated by the Apple Tax, we could see a massive rally in the shares as the uncertainty over this issue disappears forever.