Apple Request for Expedited Review: What Does It Mean?
Apple has recently made headlines with its request for expedited review in a court case against Epic Games. But what does this mean? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what an expedited review is, why Apple is requesting it, and what it could mean for the future of the app store.
What is an Expedited Review?
An expedited review is a request to have a legal case heard more quickly than usual. In most cases, a lawsuit can take months or even years to reach a resolution. However, with an expedited review, the case can be heard and decided upon within a matter of weeks.
Expedited reviews are typically used in cases where time is of the essence, such as cases involving emergency injunctions, national security, or other urgent matters.
Why is Apple Requesting an Expedited Review?
Apple is requesting an expedited review in its ongoing court case against Epic Games. The case centers around Epic’s decision to offer its own in-app payment system within the popular game Fortnite, which violates Apple’s app store policies.
Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple in August 2020, alleging that the company’s app store policies are anti-competitive and violate antitrust laws. Apple countersued, arguing that Epic’s actions were in breach of its developer agreement and seeking damages for lost revenue.
Apple’s request for an expedited review comes after a judge ruled in Epic’s favor on a separate issue, allowing the game to continue to be available on the app store while the case was ongoing. Apple is arguing that this ruling will cause irreparable harm to its app store business, and that an expedited review is necessary to resolve the case quickly.
What Could an Expedited Review Mean for the App Store?
If Apple’s request for an expedited review is granted, it could mean that the case is decided much more quickly than expected. This could have significant implications for the future of the app store, and for the relationship between app developers and Apple.
Many app developers have criticized Apple’s app store policies in recent years, arguing that the company has too much control over the app ecosystem and that its policies are anti-competitive. A ruling in Epic’s favor could lead to significant changes in how the app store operates, and could open the door for other developers to challenge Apple’s policies in court.
On the other hand, a ruling in Apple’s favor could reinforce the company’s control over the app store and make it more difficult for developers to challenge its policies in the future.
Conclusion
Apple’s request for an expedited review in its court case against Epic Games is a significant development in a case that has already had far-reaching implications for the app store ecosystem. Whether or not the request is granted, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the future of the app store and for the relationship between app developers and Apple.