Apple cleared a major hurdle in the long fight over commissions on purchases that start from web links inside iOS apps. The latest court decision removes the total ban that stopped Apple from charging any commission on link-out transactions. However, the company cannot resume collecting fees until both sides agree on a fair rate or the court sets one.
In earlier proceedings, the court ruled that Apple violated anti-steering rules when it applied a 27% commission on web purchases triggered from iOS apps. Judges said this fee discouraged developers from using external payment links, which defeated the point of the original injunction.
As a result, Apple was barred from charging any commission at all. Today’s order changes that outcome, although it still tells Apple to avoid any rate that blocks developers from offering outside payment options.
The court explained that Apple’s earlier 27% fee worked against competition and restricted real choice for users. It also noted that the company cannot resume collecting a commission until a fair structure is in place.
What the Court Updated
A new adjustment also gives Apple the right to require that external payment buttons or links do not appear larger or more prominent than the company’s own in-app purchase option. Epic already mirrors Apple’s design in its app, so this part does not change much for users.
Another change ties back to decisions from April, when the court opened the door for Fortnite to return to the App Store in the United States. The game has since climbed the charts and become one of the most downloaded titles of 2025.
A part of today’s order shows how the court handled Apple’s contempt findings. Judges agreed that Apple violated the injunction and upheld most of the sanctions, although they modified some parts to keep them within the limits of civil enforcement.
The court found that Apple’s 27% commission, its strict link templates, the plain button requirement, and the “scare screen” all worked together to block developers from using external payment systems. It said Apple knew these rules made outside purchases impractical.
The decision also explains that Apple restricted auto-login, blocked links on certain purchase pages, and excluded some developers from using external payment tools. Judges said these steps broke the letter or spirit of the injunction.
More details
Another part of the ruling focused on sanctions. The court kept several restrictions in place and allowed Apple to enforce neutral standards, such as preventing offensive language. It reversed only the complete ban on commissions, calling it too broad.
In its appeal, Apple argued that newer state and federal rulings should change the case, but the court dismissed those arguments. It also declined Apple’s request for a new judge.
The order closes with a clear message. Courts can enforce both the words and the purpose of an injunction, and contempt penalties must pressure a company to comply rather than punish it.
This decision moves the case into its next phase, where Apple and Epic will decide what a fair commission model looks like.
