Regulation

Apple has been involved in a legal conflict with Epic Games and Spotify regarding the commission fees on purchases made through the App Store. This issue was addressed in a recent U.S. court decision, allowing U.S. users to access external payment links in several applications without using Apple’s payment system.

The initial injunction was decided in 2021, but it was not enforced until April of this year. In response, Apple has filed a new appeal to limit the injunction’s scope, arguing that the imposed penalty exceeds the original dispute. The company acknowledges the need to adapt certain rules but opposes what it considers a disproportionate penalty.

Judicial Response

Apple has challenged the injunction by appealing to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the largest federal appellate court in the United States. This action comes after a €500 million fine issued by the European Union earlier this year for similar issues.

In the United States, companies like Spotify and Epic Games can now provide links for users to pay outside the App Store. This development poses a significant financial impact on Apple’s revenue model, as these alternatives are often less expensive for users.

Business Impact

Apple contends that the commission fees help ensure the security and distribution of applications on the App Store. The company argues for fair compensation for these services, particularly when facing large companies that conduct extensive media campaigns against it.

Epic Games and Spotify, benefiting from the App Store’s infrastructure while not contributing to its funding, aim to maximize profits by avoiding Apple’s fees. This legal battle reflects the underlying financial interests of the involved entities.

Apple’s recent appeal is not before the same institution that imposed the initial ruling. The decision from April 2025 was made by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers at the federal district court in Northern California. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will now decide on this new appeal.

Apple asserts that only a few major players truly benefit from this regulatory change, highlighting the ongoing tension between maintaining its business model and adapting to legal requirements.