App Store Competition Issues Microsoft Lobbying Against Apple

In the ongoing dispute that has been brewing between Epic Games and Apple, Microsoft’s role in the dispute has been made public. It’s clear how much Microsoft has been adamant against Apple and in what degree Microsoft – probably – is likely to be involved in the controversy. This is certainly not a selfish thing. Microsoft clarifies that If Apple isn’t stopped immediately, “antitrust behavior will only get worse”. 

The online publication Apple Insider. Microsoft had released an official statement supporting Epic Games in its appeal against Apple (we covered it here). Microsoft is now actively involved, saying the argument that “the potential antitrust issues go way beyond gaming.” Epic Games is trolling Apple by releasing the 1984 Fortnite video. Microsoft clarifies how its personal “unique — and balanced — perspective on the legal, economic and technological issues raised by this case” defines it.” Since Microsoft is, like Apple employs both software and hardware, Microsoft says it has an interest in helping to enforce the antitrust laws.

Apple as Door Supervisor

Apple is believed to utilize its “extraordinary gatekeeper power,” which Microsoft is now criticized publicly in its ongoing fight against Epic Games. The judge at the time of the original trial made a mistake, which Microsoft believes is crucial for all industries. “A significant amount of online commerce and human interactions, and at times overwhelming, takes place on iOS devices,” Microsoft stated.

Too many zones and too much power

“Few companies, perhaps none since AT&T … at the height of its telephone monopoly, have controlled the channel through which such a broad spectrum of economic activity flows,” Microsoft stated in its statement. “In addition to app distribution and in-app payment solutions — the neighboring markets that this case is directly related to –, Apple offers mobile payments, music, film, and television, advertising, gaming, health monitoring, web browsing, messaging, video chat, messaging, cloud storage, e-books, smart home devices, wearables and more,” according to Microsoft’s archive.

Microsoft is therefore confident that, if the initial verdict is upheld by the court, the outcome could end up “isolating Apple from the antitrust scrutiny it deserves and encouraging further harmful behavior.” Microsoft also concludes that this means the “third-party innovation will suffer.” Apple isn’t expected to respond to the petition until the end of March.