Apple Appeals Court Ban on Charging Fees for External App Payments

Apple is once again at the center of a legal dispute stemming from its long-standing battle with Epic Games. Following a recent court decision that found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction, the tech giant is now seeking to delay the enforcement of new rules that would prevent it from charging commissions on external payments made through apps.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy dates back to 2020 when Epic Games sued Apple, accusing the company of anti-competitive behavior by forcing developers to use its in-app payment system, which takes a 30% cut of all transactions. In 2021, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple must allow developers to direct users to alternative payment options outside the App Store.

In response, Apple implemented a new policy charging a 27% commission on external payments and introduced warning screens that discouraged users from leaving the App Store. These actions were later deemed non-compliant with the court's original order.

Recent Court Decision

In April 2025, Judge Rogers concluded that Apple had willfully violated the 2021 injunction. She issued a new order banning Apple from charging any fees on payments processed outside the App Store and from restricting developer communications about alternative payment options. The case has also been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for a potential criminal contempt investigation.

Apple's Request to Delay Enforcement

Apple has filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, seeking a stay on the judge’s ruling while it appeals. The company argues that the immediate implementation of the order would cause “serious and irreparable harm” to its business model and intellectual property protections. According to Apple, complying with the ruling could lead to financial losses in the hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars per year.

Market Response

The ruling was met with enthusiasm by developers and content platforms. Companies such as Spotify, Patreon, and Proton announced plans to lower subscription prices and offer users more flexible payment options. Epic Games, meanwhile, plans to relaunch Fortnite on Apple devices, taking advantage of the new ability to use alternative payment systems.

Broader Implications

This legal battle could have major implications for the app economy and digital platforms. The court’s ruling challenges Apple’s long-standing business model and may set a precedent that empowers developers to operate with greater independence from platform owners.

If upheld, the ruling could trigger similar reforms across other ecosystems—such as Google Play—fueling a broader movement toward fairer digital marketplaces with fewer gatekeeping restrictions.

Conclusion

Apple’s push to delay a ruling that blocks it from charging fees on third-party app payments marks another pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between tech platforms and developers. As the courts and regulators scrutinize the power dynamics within digital ecosystems, Apple may be forced to make lasting changes that reshape the economics of the App Store and the future of mobile software distribution.

Primary Source: TechCrunch

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Image credit to Laurenz Heymann on Unsplash