Apple Executive Accused of Lying in Epic Trial Over App Store Fees

In a significant development during the Epic Games versus Apple trial, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers sharply criticized Apple’s Vice President of Finance, Alex Roman, for providing testimony that was "replete with misdirection and outright lies." This accusation centers on Roman’s claim regarding the timing of Apple's decision to set a 27 percent commission fee on purchases made outside the App Store.

Roman testified that Apple finalized the 27 percent commission fee on January 16, 2024. However, the judge referenced contemporaneous business documents revealing that the main components of this plan, including the commission rate, were actually determined as early as July 2023. This discrepancy led to the conclusion that Roman’s testimony was intentionally misleading.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers further condemned Apple and its legal counsel for failing to correct these falsehoods, describing the conduct as a willful choice to defy the court’s injunction. The injunction had banned Apple from charging commissions on purchases made outside the App Store, a ruling aimed at curbing anticompetitive practices.

The judge emphasized that Apple’s actions were intended to maintain a lucrative revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive. She stated, “That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation. As always, the cover-up made it worse. For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple.”

As a result, the case has been referred to a U.S. attorney for potential criminal contempt proceedings against both Apple and Roman. This referral underscores the seriousness of the court’s findings and signals potential legal consequences beyond the civil trial.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of Apple’s App Store policies, which have long been criticized for limiting competition and imposing high fees on developers and consumers alike. The court’s firm stance against deceptive practices and anticompetitive behavior sends a strong message to technology companies about transparency and compliance.

Apple has confirmed it will appeal the order, indicating that the legal battle over App Store control and developer fees is far from over. Meanwhile, developers and industry observers are closely watching the case as it could reshape the economics of app distribution and digital marketplaces.

The Epic Games trial and this recent ruling highlight the growing regulatory and judicial focus on the power dynamics within digital ecosystems. For businesses and developers, understanding these legal shifts is crucial for navigating compliance, competition, and innovation in the app economy.