Apple’s Commission Policy Reinstated Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
In a significant development within the tech industry, a federal appeals court has recently amended its previous ruling, allowing Apple to resume collecting commissions on transactions made through third-party payment systems. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Apple’s App Store policies and its interactions with developers.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The roots of this legal confrontation trace back to a 2021 injunction that mandated Apple to eliminate anti-steering provisions. These provisions had previously restricted developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside of Apple’s ecosystem. In April 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers determined that Apple had violated this injunction by imposing substantial commission fees on external transactions, leading to a prohibition on Apple charging any commission on such payments.
The Appeals Court’s Recent Decision
On December 11, 2025, the appeals court revisited this matter and concluded that while Apple’s initial actions did contravene the anti-steering injunction, the complete ban on all commissions was excessively punitive. The court acknowledged that most of the restrictions imposed by the district court were in alignment with the injunction but deemed the outright commission prohibition as an inappropriate civil contempt sanction. Consequently, the court reversed this specific aspect of the April 30 order and remanded it to the district court for further proceedings.
Implications for Apple and Developers
Despite this partial victory for Apple, the company is not immediately permitted to reinstate its previous commission structure. The court has directed Apple and Epic Games to negotiate and establish a reasonable commission rate for third-party transactions. Until an agreement is reached or the court intervenes to set a rate, Apple remains unable to collect commissions from sales processed through external payment systems.
Adjustments to App Store Guidelines
In addition to addressing commission structures, the court’s ruling also impacts how developers can present alternative payment options within their apps. Apple is now authorized to enforce guidelines that prevent developers from designing buttons, links, or calls to action that are more prominent than those used by Apple itself. This measure aims to maintain a balanced user interface, ensuring that Apple’s in-app purchase options are not overshadowed by third-party alternatives.
Broader Context and Ongoing Legal Challenges
This case is a component of a broader series of legal challenges confronting Apple regarding its App Store practices. Notably, in May 2025, Apple filed an appeal against a court ruling that mandated changes to its App Store operations, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to navigate and influence the evolving regulatory landscape.
Conclusion
The appeals court’s recent decision introduces a nuanced shift in the ongoing legal narrative between Apple and developers. While it reinstates Apple’s ability to collect commissions on third-party transactions, it simultaneously imposes conditions that require collaborative negotiation to determine fair commission rates. This development underscores the complex and evolving nature of digital marketplace regulations and the delicate balance between platform operators and developers.
