Case Overview

In a striking legal development, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has prohibited Apple from imposing a commission on transactions made outside its App Store. This ruling has been significantly influenced by revelations during court proceedings regarding the credibility of Apple’s testimony.

Allegations of Dishonesty

Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated that Alex Roman, Apple’s Vice President of Finance, provided misleading statements under oath. The judge emphasized that Roman’s assertions regarding the timing of Apple’s decision on commission fees were “replete with misdirection and outright lies.”

According to the judge, Roman claimed that the 27 percent fee for purchases outside the App Store wasn’t finalized until January 16, 2024. However, she pointed out that business documents indicated this percentage was actually established in July 2023.

Legal Repercussions

In light of these findings, Judge Gonzalez Rogers has decided to refer the case to a U.S. attorney, highlighting the potential for criminal contempt proceedings against both Apple and Roman. She stated, “Apple willfully chose not to comply with this Court’s Injunction,” suggesting intentional efforts to create new anticompetitive barriers.

Implications for Apple

The judge has pointed out the seriousness of Apple’s alleged misconduct, suggesting that the company miscalculated the consequences of what she described as “insubordination.” She reinforced that the attempt to obscure the truth worsened their situation, concluding with, “For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple.”