Apple has lost a key bid to delay court-ordered changes to its App Store policies, after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the tech giant’s emergency request to pause a federal judge’s ruling in its antitrust battle with Epic Games.
What the Court Decided
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The court denied Apple’s request to stay enforcement of a previous ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found Apple in contempt of an earlier injunction.
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The decision means Apple must immediately comply with changes that:
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Prohibit the 27% fee Apple introduced for off-App Store purchases.
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Ban restrictions that previously stopped developers from linking users to external payment options.
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Apple said it was “disappointed” with the outcome but pledged to continue its legal battle through the appeals process.
Why It Matters
This case began when Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, accused Apple of monopolistic practices that stifled innovation and forced developers into Apple’s in-app payment ecosystem, where Apple takes up to 30% in commissions.
Judge Rogers originally ruled in 2021 that Apple must allow developers to bypass in-app purchases—a decision that has now gained legal momentum after Apple’s latest setback.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the development, declaring on X:
“The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended.”
Financial Impact and Competitive Implications
For investors, this ruling opens the door to a potential revenue shift:
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Services revenue, which includes App Store commissions, made up a major share of Apple’s earnings growth. Any weakening of this stream could affect long-term forecasts.
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The ruling may trigger similar challenges globally, adding regulatory pressure in Europe and Asia.
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What’s Next?
Apple will continue its appeal, but for now, developers gain the ability to offer alternative payment links without facing punitive fees. This case could redefine the future of platform ecosystems and digital commerce rules in the U.S.
