Apple Executive Accused of Perjury in Epic Games Trial – What’s Next?

In a stunning development, Apple faces escalating legal trouble after a federal judge accused one of its top executives of lying under oath during the ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The ruling, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, not only exposes alleged deception by Apple but also raises the possibility of severe legal repercussions for the tech giant.

The controversy centers on Apple’s App Store policies, which Epic Games—the creator of Fortnite—has long argued are anticompetitive. Last year, Judge Rogers ruled that Apple could no longer force developers to use its in-app payment system, loosening the company’s grip on digital transactions. However, the latest twist is even more damaging: the judge has accused Alex Roman, Apple’s Vice President of Finance, of committing perjury.

Court documents reveal that Roman testified under oath that Apple did not finalize its contentious 27% commission fee for external purchases until January 2024. Internal records, however, show the company had been planning the fee structure as early as July 2023. Judge Rogers condemned Roman’s testimony as “replete with misdirection and outright lies” and criticized Apple for failing to correct the false statements.

The judge’s ruling goes beyond a reprimand. She has referred the case to a U.S. attorney for potential criminal contempt proceedings against both Apple and Roman. She accused Apple of “willful non-compliance” with her earlier injunction, suggesting the company erected new barriers to protect its profits rather than promoting fair competition. Her sharpest rebuke came in the form of a warning: “That it thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation.”

For app developers and consumers, this ruling is a significant victory. Developers have long protested Apple’s high fees and restrictive policies, and the decision could pave the way for a more open app marketplace. Spotify, a vocal Apple critic, praised the ruling as a “victory for developers,” while Epic Games announced plans to bring Fortnite back to iOS in the U.S.

Apple, however, is not retreating. The company has confirmed it will appeal the decision, setting the stage for another legal clash. This case underscores the increasing regulatory pressure on Big Tech’s dominance, with Judge Rogers’ ruling serving as a clear message: even industry giants must adhere to the law.

The outcome of this legal battle could reshape the app ecosystem. Will Apple’s appeal succeed, or will this mark the beginning of a more competitive digital marketplace? For now, all eyes remain on the courtroom as the fight over App Store control continues.