Y Combinator backs Epic in US court fight against Apple’s App Store rules

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Startup incubator Y Combinator has filed an amicus brief in the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals supporting Epic Games in its battle against Apple, urging the court to reject Apple’s appeal and uphold limits on its App Store practices.

The case stems from a 2021 injunction requiring Apple to let developers direct users to outside purchase options.

In April, Apple was found in "willful violation" after it imposed fees of up to 27 per cent on such links, leading the court to order fee-free, unrestricted linking.

Y Combinator said it has "long been hesitant" to back app-based startups subject to the so-called Apple Tax.

"A 30% revenue share can easily be the difference between a company that can afford to scale, hire new employees, and reinvest in its product, and one that is perpetually struggling to stay afloat," it said.