Oakland, California—A significant legal development unfolded as a federal judge ordered Apple to cease collecting fees on purchases made outside its apps, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing clash between Epic Games and Apple. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, presiding over the case, stated that Apple can no longer restrict developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options.
This ruling represents a substantial win for Epic Games, which has long argued against Apple’s strict control over app payments. In her decision, Judge Rogers accused Apple of “willful” noncompliance with a prior injunction established in 2021, emphasizing that the company underestimated the court’s position. “This Court will not tolerate such insubordination,” she remarked.
To intensify the situation, Rogers has referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney for possible criminal contempt proceedings against Apple. The judge underscored Apple’s intention to maintain a lucrative revenue stream, estimated to be worth billions, despite the injunction that mandated more flexibility in payment options for developers.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced a forthcoming return of Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, following this ruling. He proposed a “peace proposal,” suggesting that if Apple implements a court-sanctioned framework without the controversial fees on a global scale, Epic would restore Fortune to the App Store and withdraw ongoing litigation concerning the issue.
Historically, Apple has taken a hefty cut—often around 30 percent—of transactions conducted within its apps. Although a ruling from 2021 required Apple to allow developers to highlight alternative payment methods, the company countered with a policy demanding a 27 percent commission from those purchases. Such practices have drawn ire from developers, including Epic, who see the fees as excessive.
The dynamics within Apple’s leadership were apparent during this legal struggle. Judge Rogers noted that App Store head Phil Schiller advocated for adherence to the court’s order. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook ultimately sided with CFO Luca Maestri, a decision that Rogers regarded as a grave error.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate parties involved. If enforced, it could reshape the financial landscape for app developers, giving them more autonomy to challenge Apple’s payment policies. Observers of the tech industry are now keenly watching how Apple will adapt to this latest judicial setback and what it means for the future of app monetization schemes.
As this case unfolds, it sheds light on broader issues concerning platform control, developer rights, and consumer choice in the technology sector.