Apple Seeks Supreme Court Review, Faces 15% Canadian Streaming Levy
Apple has asked the US Supreme Court to review a contempt order in its Epic Games antitrust lawsuit, heightening legal risk to App Store operations. In Canada, the CRTC increased streaming services’ required contribution to 15% of revenues from 5%, potentially raising Apple TV+’s operating costs.
1. Apple petitions Supreme Court over Epic contempt order
Apple has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court to overturn a contempt order issued in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The order stems from a lower court ruling that found Apple in contempt for failing to comply fully with injunctions requiring alternative app-purchase options, exposing Apple to potential fines or operational changes to its App Store.
2. CRTC raises streaming contribution requirement to 15%
Canada’s broadcast regulator has updated its Online Streaming Act rules, tripling the annual contribution requirement for major streamers to 15% of Canadian revenues, up from 5%. This mandate applies to services with at least C$25 million in local revenue and includes stipulations that platforms earning over C$100 million must allocate 30% of spending to partnerships with Canadian broadcasters and independent producers, increasing costs for Apple TV+ operations.