Epic scores big victory as judge slams Apple for defying court order

Apple

In a dramatic turn in the long-running legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that Apple can no longer charge commissions or impose restrictions on developers who direct users to make purchases outside of their apps. The decision, effective immediately, is a sweeping victory for Epic and a significant blow to Apple’s control over App Store transactions.

The ruling stems from Apple’s attempts to sidestep a 2021 injunction, which required the company to let developers link to alternative payment options. In response, Apple implemented a 27% commission on external purchases—barely below its standard 30%—sparking criticism that it was undermining the court’s original decision.

Judge Rogers has now made it clear: Apple’s workaround violated the spirit and letter of the court order. “That [Apple] thought this Court would tolerate such insubordination was a gross miscalculation,” she wrote. She also referred the case to the US attorney for potential criminal contempt charges.

The court specifically bans Apple from charging commissions on external purchases. Furthermore, it said Apple cannot restrict how developers format or place links to outside sites. Apple can now also not block buttons or calls to action for alternative payments

Apple says it will comply with the ruling but plans to appeal. “We strongly disagree with the decision,” said Olivia Dalton, senior director of corporate communications told The Verge.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the decision “a win for all developers” and confirmed that Fortnite will return to the US App Store next week. He added that if Apple applies the same no-fee policy globally, Epic would drop all other litigation and restore Fortnite worldwide.