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Apple Appeals Court Ruling to Open App Store to External Payments

Apple has filed an appeal against a court ruling mandating it to allow external payment mechanisms in its U.S. App Store. The ruling followed Apple's resistance to fully comply, including imposing a 27% commission on outside purchases and using warning pop-ups. The court criticized Apple's approach and referred potential contempt proceedings. While Apple complies during the appeal, it may introduce incentives like discounted commissions to retain developers.

Published May 5, 2025 at 01:08 PM EDT in Software Development

Apple has officially filed an appeal against a recent court ruling that requires the company to open its App Store to external payment mechanisms. This ruling came after a legal battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games, where the court ordered Apple to allow apps to link to alternative payment options outside the U.S. App Store.

Apple initially believed it complied with the law by permitting developers to request an entitlement to bypass App Store rules. However, Apple imposed a 27% commission on purchases made outside its platform and required “scare screens” — full-screen warnings cautioning users about the risks of making in-app purchases through external sites.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple’s approach, emphasizing that the court’s injunction was not negotiable and accusing Apple of attempting to circumvent the order with excessive restrictions. The court also referred Apple’s VP of Finance, Alex Roman, to the U.S. Attorney’s office for potential criminal contempt due to alleged false testimony.

Following the ruling, Apple adjusted its App Store policies for U.S. developers and accepted app updates, such as Spotify’s, that referenced alternative payment methods. Despite this compliance, Apple expressed strong disagreement with the decision and proceeded to file an appeal, signaling its intent to continue contesting the ruling.

As the appeals process unfolds, Apple will maintain compliance with the court’s order. However, the company may explore new strategies to encourage developers to use its in-app purchase system, such as announcing discounted commission rates at its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference. This could reshape the app monetization landscape significantly.

Broader Implications for Developers and the App Economy

This legal battle highlights the tension between platform control and developer freedom in the app economy. Opening the App Store to external payments could reduce Apple’s commission revenue but may empower developers with more flexible monetization options. Conversely, Apple’s potential incentives to retain developers underscore the competitive dynamics shaping app marketplaces.

For developers and businesses, understanding these regulatory shifts is critical for strategic planning. Adjusting to new payment options and commission structures can impact revenue models and user experience design. Staying informed about ongoing legal developments will be essential to navigating the evolving app ecosystem.

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