Apple CEO Tim Cook testifies, defends App Store in Oakland court

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All eyes in the tech world were on an Oakland federal courtroom Friday, where Apple CEO Tim Cook testified in a high profile trial that could shape the future of the App Store.

Apple is being sued by Epic Games, the developer of the popular video game Fortnite.

Under intense questioning from Epic's lawyers, Cook defended the Apple App Store. Since its inception in 2008, Cook said the store had expanded and lowered the price of software for consumers.

Epic claims Apple's 30% fee for in-app purchases is way too high and that the App Store is a monopoly.

“You know, he gives kind of punchy answers," said CNET Editor at Large Ian Sherr. "He doesn’t really go into much detail. And so as a result, we get some interesting tidbits out of him."

Sherr said other app stores, such as Android and Xbox, also charge 30% fees.

Even before Cook's testimony began, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said she had concerns that all of these companies charged the same commission.

“She really wants to hear more from the different sides about what to do, how to fix this problem,” Sherr told KCBS Radio.

There is no jury in the three week trial, and it could be weeks or months before the judge issues her decision.

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