Apple Inc. is actively seeking to postpone a recent court decision that mandates the company to permit iOS app developers in the United States to direct users to external payment systems, thereby circumventing Apple’s traditional commission structure. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to protect a significant revenue stream derived from its App Store operations.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal confrontation between Apple and Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, has been ongoing since 2020. Epic Games initiated a lawsuit challenging Apple’s stringent control over in-app purchases and its standard commission fees, which range from 15% to 30%. The crux of the dispute centers on Apple’s policies that require developers to use its in-app payment system exclusively, thereby restricting alternative payment methods.
In 2021, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued an injunction requiring Apple to allow developers to include links to external payment options within their apps. This ruling aimed to foster greater competition and provide consumers with more choices. However, Apple implemented measures that were perceived as attempts to circumvent the injunction, such as imposing a 27% fee on transactions completed outside the App Store and displaying warning messages—referred to as scare screens—to deter users from utilizing external payment methods.
Recent Court Ruling and Apple’s Response
In May 2025, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt for not fully complying with the 2021 injunction. The court ordered Apple to cease practices that effectively undermined the original ruling, including the additional fees on external transactions and the use of deterrent messages. The judge emphasized that Apple’s actions were deliberate attempts to preserve its substantial revenue from in-app purchases.
In response, Apple filed an emergency motion with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking a partial stay on the recent ruling. The company argues that enforcing the order would cause grave irreparable harm and asserts that the new restrictions are based on conduct that has not been adjudicated as unlawful. Apple contends that the court’s expansion of the original injunction is unwarranted and that the company has already complied by allowing developers to link to external payment systems.
Implications for Developers and the App Ecosystem
The court’s decision has significant implications for app developers and the broader app ecosystem. By allowing developers to direct users to external payment methods without incurring Apple’s commission fees, the ruling could lead to increased revenue for developers and potentially lower prices for consumers. Companies like Spotify and Amazon have already updated their apps to include links to their own websites for payments, signaling a shift in the app marketplace dynamics.
However, Apple’s attempt to delay the ruling indicates the company’s determination to maintain control over its App Store revenue model. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate and the extent to which platform owners can enforce payment policies.
Broader Industry Impact
The dispute between Apple and Epic Games is emblematic of a larger conversation about the power dynamics between platform owners and developers. It raises questions about fair competition, revenue sharing, and the rights of developers to engage with their users directly. The case has attracted attention from regulators and industry stakeholders worldwide, as it could influence future policies and regulations governing digital marketplaces.
Conclusion
Apple’s request to delay the court ruling underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing legal battle over App Store policies. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how the courts balance the interests of platform owners, developers, and consumers. The resolution of this dispute could have lasting effects on the app development industry and the digital economy at large.
