Apple Loses Appeal in Epic App Store Battle, Court Challenges 27% Off-Store Commission
A U.S. federal appeals court has dealt Apple a significant blow in its protracted legal battle with Epic Games over App Store policies. The 9th Circuit ruled that Apple violated a prior injunction by imposing a 27% commission on transactions occurring outside its App Store. This decision reinforces a lower court's contempt finding and mandates a reassessment of Apple's commission structure.
Epic Games' challenge to Apple's alleged monopoly gains momentum as the court scrutinizes restrictions on alternative payment methods. The ruling could force Apple to revise its fee model, potentially reshaping revenue streams for developers and the tech giant alike. The outcome underscores broader tensions between platform control and developer autonomy in digital marketplaces.