Microsoft urges court to enforce Apple anti-steering ruling amid stalled launch of Xbox mobile store – PocketGamer.biz

Microsoft has pointed the finger at Apple’s anti-steering App Store policies for the continued delay of the launch of its Xbox mobile game store.

As reported by The Verge, Microsoft filed an amicus brief late Tuesday supporting Epic Games in its legal battle with Apple. 

A US judge recently ruled that Apple must comply with an injunction that enables linkouts to alternative payment systems and prevents anti-steering measures. Apple has been further forced to comply with the ruling as it finally let Fortnite return to the US App Store.

Microsoft bemoaned the previous rules and Apple’s previous attempts to impede linkouts with new rules on off-store payments. 

The company has also expressed concern that the current injunction could be overturned upon a successful appeal by Apple and has urged the court to enforce the recent ruling.

“Stymied by Apple”

“The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps,” the company explained in a statement.

“And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. 

“Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out payments (or even inform customers that alternative purchase methods exist) because of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.” 

Microsoft had originally planned to launch its Xbox mobile game store on the web in July 2024, but there has never been an announcement through official channels about the marketplace.