'Fortnite' maker Epic Games has launched the most significant effort yet to advance the legal theory that Apple's iPhone ecosystem has become so"sticky" that it is a distinct software market over which Apple exercises monopoly power.
Epic is not the first to sue over the App Store. Consumers have filed suit alleging Apple's practices raise software prices. Developers in another suit have argued that software for iOS, the iPhone's operating system, is its own market but also made extensive alternative arguments. "Apple does not have a dominant market share in any market where we do business," Chief Executive Tim Cook told the U.S. House Judiciary Committee during a hearing on competition in digital markets in July.
The relevant market would not be"apps for smartphones" where Apple has a small global share compared to Android, but rather"apps for iPhones" where Apple has much more power.