Apple has suffered a setback in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games after a U.S. appeals court rejected the company’s request to delay key reforms to its App Store. On Wednesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined Apple’s motion to pause parts of a federal judge’s order requiring the tech giant to open its App Store to more competition while the company appeals the ruling.
The case dates back to 2020 when Epic Games, the creator of the massively popular game Fortnite, sued Apple. Epic challenged Apple’s tight control over transactions within apps on iOS devices, as well as the way the company distributes apps to consumers. Specifically, Epic sought to loosen Apple’s grip on its App Store, which Apple operates as the sole marketplace for iPhone and iPad users, and through which Apple collects commissions on in-app purchases.
The original federal court ruling mandated significant changes, including allowing developers to direct users to alternative payment methods outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system. This was seen as a major shift away from Apple’s longstanding business model, which has been criticized for its 30% commission fees and restrictions on app distribution.
Apple’s attempt to pause the implementation of these changes while it appeals the ruling was seen by many as an effort to maintain its existing control over the App Store and protect a critical revenue stream. However, the appeals court’s refusal means that Apple must comply with the order immediately, opening its platform to more competitive options and potentially changing how app transactions occur on iOS devices.
This ruling marks an important moment in the ongoing legal fight between major tech companies and regulators and developers over platform control, fair competition, and consumer choice. Apple is expected to continue its legal challenge, but for now, developers and users may soon experience a more open and flexible App Store environment.
The case remains a landmark example of the growing scrutiny over the power of tech giants and the future of digital marketplaces.
