Summary

  • Microsoft has submitted legal documents supporting Epic Games in its dispute with Apple, revealing that its own plans for a gaming service on iPhones are on hold due to Apple’s in-app purchase (IAP) rules.
  • The tech giant had wanted to offer purchases through the Xbox app on iOS, but its proposal was stymied by Apple’s “anti-steering policies”, it said.
  • Apple forbids apps from telling users about alternative payment options, but last year a US judge ruled that Apple couldn’t stop developers communicating about other purchasing methods.
  • However, developers are still unable to implement these, and Microsoft said the latest court order in the Epic case could allow it to launch its Xbox mobile store.
  • The filing also acknowledged that the restoration of Apple’s old policies is possible if the iPhone maker wins an expected appeal.

By Tom Warren

Original Article