Apple vs Epic Games trial begins
(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - Apple is facing one of its most serious legal threats in recent years as Epic Games looks to put an end to Apple's monopoly power over video games.
The trial beginning Monday could upend Apple's iron control over its app store, which brings in billions of dollars each year while feeding more than 1.6 billion iPhones, iPads and other devices.
Epic, the maker of 'Fortntite,' wants to breach the so-called “walled garden” of the app store, which Apple started building 13 years ago.
Epid alleges that Apple has transformed what was once a tiny digital storefront into an illegal monopoly that squeezes mobile apps for a significant slice of their earnings. Those earnings summarized as a commission of 15% to 30% on purchases made within apps, including everything from digital items in games to subscriptions.
The goal for Epic is to break free of Apple's commissions. It says that it forked over hundreds of millions of dollars to Apple before Apple expelled Fortnite from its app store last August, after Epic added a payment system that bypassed Apple.
Epic then sued Apple, prompting potential courtroom drama that could shed new light on Apple’s management of its app store. The trial begins Monday in Oakland.
