Court Denies Apple’s Request to Pause Ruling on App Store Payment Fees
Are you wondering if Apple will still charge developers fees for payments made outside the App Store? Recently, a U.S. court denied Apple’s request to pause a ruling that stops the company from collecting commissions when developers direct users to external payment options. This landmark decision means Apple can no longer enforce its fees on transactions completed outside its ecosystem through app links, signaling a significant shift in App Store payment policies and impacting millions of developers across the country.
The ruling highlights a growing push for fairer digital marketplace practices, where developers have more freedom to choose payment methods without Apple’s commission constraints. By blocking Apple’s attempt to delay this change, the court has emphasized that the company must comply with the order immediately, reflecting a new era of transparency and competition in the app economy.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hailed the decision as a victory, declaring the end of what he called the “Apple tax” on developers. The court’s firm stance indicates a strong legal message against monopolistic practices, reinforcing the importance of competitive pricing and developer rights in the evolving mobile app landscape.
Apple expressed disappointment in the decision but reaffirmed its commitment to the App Store as a trusted and valuable platform for both developers and users. The company plans to continue appealing, underscoring the ongoing legal battle over control and fees within app stores.
This ruling follows a 2021 injunction and an April 2025 decision by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found Apple in “willful violation” of antitrust rules by forcing developers into restrictive pricing models. The changes mean app developers in the U.S. now have the legal backing to link users directly to external payment options, potentially reducing costs and fostering innovation.
For developers, consumers, and anyone interested in the future of digital marketplaces, this ruling is a key moment that challenges longstanding app store fee structures. It opens new opportunities for more affordable app purchases, subscription options, and a fairer digital economy.
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