Apple and Epic dispute fees for purchases outside App Store
Apple has proposed a structure to collect fees on digital purchases made via external links. Epic Games argues this request is "far outside" the court's guidance.
In a new legal filing related to its ongoing dispute with Epic Games, Apple has proposed a framework to collect fees on digital purchases made through external links, bypassing the company's in-app purchase system.
Epic Games has responded, stating that Apple's request falls "far outside of the bounds" of the court's guidance. Apple is currently prohibited from taking commissions on external purchases following a ruling in April 2025 by California district court judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found the company had "willfully" failed to comply with a 2021 injunction.
However, a panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided new direction on the matter, which Apple appears to be leveraging with its latest proposal. The core of the dispute revolves around Apple's control over its app marketplace and its requirement for developers to use its payment system for transactions.
The protracted legal battle is a significant factor in broader discussions about competition on digital platforms and developer rights. Apple's proposal aims to establish a revenue stream for purchases occurring outside its direct oversight within the ecosystem.