A year ago Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that Microsoft was planning to launch a new Xbox mobile web store in July 2024. That never happened. The Verge reported.
Microsoft filed an amicus brief late Tuesday, in support of Epic Games’ ongoing fight with Apple’s control over the App Store. The brief takes issue with Apple’s attempt to overturn the injunction that allows Epic and other developers to freely advise alternative payment methods in their apps, and not have to pay Apple additional fees for purchases made outside of apps.
It’s a key ruling that has already allowed Fortnite to return to the App Store in the US, complete with the ability for Epic Games to link out to its own payment system inside the game. Microsoft has wanted to offer a similar experience for its Xbox mobile store prior to the ruling, but it says the solution “has been stymied by Apple.”
The court ruling makes it possible for Microsoft to now launch Xbox mobile store, but its clear that the software giant also wants to ensure Apple’s appeal against the ruling isn’t successful. If Microsoft did launch its Xbox mobile store and then Apple won a temporary stay, it may have to pull that store pending the appeal process.
Engadget reported: According to The Verge, Microsoft said Apple’s App Store rules are to blame for the continued delay of the Xbox mobile app store it announced last summer. The store would have allowed users to buy Microsoft mobile games through the Xbox web store on iOS.
In an amicus brief filed this week, Microsoft expressed support for Epic Games in the company’s long-running bout against Apple. The company also expressed concern that Apple could succeed in overturning the injunction that has opened the floodgates for payments outside of apps that circumvent Apple’s 30 percent fee.
Apple filed an appeal against the injunction earlier this month, and just a few days later it asked the Ninth Circuit to halt enforcement of the original ruling while it works through its appeal.
Microsoft, for is part, is urging the court to enforce the injunction while the courts handle the appeal. The company points out that Apple itself has said that the policy changes it made in response to the injunction “can be undone,” raising concern that without firm enforcement by the courts, Apple could pull the rug at any given moment.
CNET reported: Now that Fortnite is back on iOS with Apple’s approval of the game, Microsoft is jumping in to try to extend its ability to sell games on the platform through its Xbox app.
Microsoft on Tuesday filed an amicus brief in district court in support of Fortnite publisher Epic Games saying that apply has “stymied” its efforts to sell games through its mobile Xbox app on iOS.
Microsoft announced in April that it would offer the option to buy games and Game Passes through its app, but apparently those changes have not gone smoothly. Apple was rebuked for not following a 2021 injunction, which led to a class-action lawsuit from developers filed this month.