Mikey Campbell
Apple CEO Tim Cook is scheduled to testify in the Epic Games v. Apple trial on Friday, concluding an intense examination of the iOS App Store that included declarations from industry experts and executives from both companies.
Cook's appearance, first noted by CNET, will mark the culmination of three weeks of back-and-forth between Apple and Epic, with the fate of the iOS App Store hanging in the balance.
Apple's chief executive is expected to speak about the company's corporate values, development and launch of the App Store and industry competition. In arguing against third-party app stores and outside payments systems, he is also likely to touch on the economic potential an Apple-maintained store presents to developers. That the App Store benefits — not inhibits — developers is a constant refrain from the tech giant.
Epic argues Apple has created monopolies with its iron fist rule over iOS and the App Store; disallowing third-party app stores and collecting a nominal 30% commission on in-app purchases. Apple disagrees and in testimony provided over the course of the trial has attempted to illustrate that its policies have created of a safe and innovative platform for customers and wealth for developers.
A report last week suggested Cook is preparing rigorously for Friday's testimony by practicing with former prosecutors to simulate the stand.
Cook is no stranger to the spotlight, though he has never offered testimony in a courtroom setting. He twice testified before Congress, most recently appearing before the U.S. House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee to discuss in part the very topic at the heart of Epic's complaint.
The court's schedule currently allots 100 minutes to Cook. Prior to the proceedings, Cook sat for a seven-hour deposition, statements from which will likely be discussed on Friday.
Christine McKee
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1 Comment
One thing Epic has accomplished in this charade is to satisfy the voyeuristic interest in Apple’s inner workings. But I think Cook’s testimony today will be a letdown. Cook is a master of deflection and redirection without spilling the beans. I think he will chew up Epic’s lawyers and spit them out. You don’t build a $2T business by being dumb.