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Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store

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1704 points ardit33 | 1 comments | 13 Aug 20 19:03 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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andreasley ◴[13 Aug 20 20:37 UTC] No.24148645[source]▶
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit [1] and published a Fortnite-themed parody of Apple's "1984" [2] to get some publicity for it.

[1] https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/apple-complaint-734589783.pdf

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euiSHuaw6Q4

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coldcode ◴[13 Aug 20 20:51 UTC] No.24148908[source]▶
They will lose as the TOS clearly indicates the rules and Epic agreed to them. This is basic contract law. Apple has a massive team of experienced lawyers.
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bluedevil2k ◴[13 Aug 20 20:54 UTC] No.24148955[source]▶
TOS can't violate laws though. A contract that is in violation of the law isn't enforceable. Epic is looking for a judgement to make it illegal.
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the-pigeon ◴[13 Aug 20 21:07 UTC] No.24149191[source]▶
Expanding on this.

The idea that a large platform like iOS can only have apps loaded through a market place controlled by the hardware manufactured is clearly in violation of the spirit of anti-trust laws.

However there's no legal precedent on this because no one with deep enough pockets to fight Apple has been angry enough to do it yet.

Meaning this could be great news for everyone if this goes to court and Apple loses as they should.

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dpiers ◴[13 Aug 20 21:32 UTC] No.24149596[source]▶
I don't think that's true. Almost no one is complaining about Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo's "monopolies" on what software runs on their video game consoles.

The big differentiator is that phones have become the most frequently used personal computing device for many people, and we expect the freedom to use it how we want.

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1. m11a ◴[14 Aug 20 19:54 UTC] No.24162482[source]▶
> and we expect the freedom to use it how we want

I suspect Apple will argue the oppose. The "freedom" argument has been common in the perennial "iOS v Android" discussions, from which I'd note that iOS appeals to many because it's locked down; it's easy to use and it's not junk. The Play Store was a mess last I remember it. Some consider that freedom, others dislike it. It's a brand perception thing, and I wouldn't be surprised if Apple makes the same point, that an open platform would harm their brand reputation.