In a scathing ruling, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has accused Apple finance VP Alex Roman of "outright lying" under oath during the Epic trial, stating that his testimony was "replete with misdirection and outright lies." The judge's harsh words come as she bans Apple from charging a commission on purchases made outside the App Store, a major blow to the tech giant's control over its ecosystem.

The controversy centers around Roman's testimony regarding Apple's decision on the 27 percent fee for purchases outside the App Store. Roman claimed that the company hadn't decided on the number until January 16th, 2024. However, Judge Gonzalez Rogers reveals that contemporaneous business documents show that the main components of Apple's plan, including the 27 percent commission, were determined in July 2023. The judge is outraged that neither Apple nor its counsel corrected the "now obvious, lies."

This development is a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, which has far-reaching implications for the tech industry. The judge's ruling is a clear indication that she believes Apple has engaged in anticompetitive behavior, and the company's actions have been deemed unacceptable. By referring the case to a US attorney for possible criminal contempt proceedings, Judge Gonzalez Rogers is sending a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The fallout from this ruling could be substantial, with potential consequences for Apple's business model and revenue streams. The company's control over the App Store has long been a point of contention, and this decision may pave the way for greater competition and innovation in the digital marketplace. As the tech industry watches this drama unfold, one thing is clear: Apple's actions have sparked a firestorm of controversy, and the company will need to take swift action to address the concerns raised by Judge Gonzalez Rogers.

In a broader context, this ruling highlights the growing scrutiny of big tech companies and their business practices. As regulators and lawmakers increasingly focus on antitrust issues, companies like Apple will need to be more transparent and accountable in their dealings. The Epic trial has already shed light on some of the more questionable practices employed by Apple, and this latest development is likely to add fuel to the fire.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the tech industry will be watching closely to see how Apple responds to these allegations and the consequences that follow. With the company's reputation on the line, it remains to be seen how they will address the concerns raised by Judge Gonzalez Rogers and restore trust with their customers and the wider tech community.