Apple Loses Fight to Keep Charging Fees on Outside App Payments

A U.S. court has denied Apple’s request to pause a ruling that bans the company from charging fees on purchases made outside the App Store via in-app links.

The decision forces Apple to comply with a 2021 injunction and stop collecting its controversial commission from developers directing users to alternative payment methods.

Apple had argued for a stay while appealing the ruling, but the court rejected the request, stating the tech giant failed to justify halting the enforcement.

The ruling stems from Epic Games’ lawsuit, which accused Apple of willfully violating antitrust laws by restricting fair pricing competition.

Apple responded with disappointment, reaffirming its intent to continue the appeals process while defending its App Store policies.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers previously found Apple in “willful violation” of the earlier injunction that sought to curb the company’s control over in-app payments.

Developers like Spotify and Amazon are now updating their apps to allow purchases outside Apple’s ecosystem without the threat of a 27% cut or intimidating pop-ups.

Despite claiming $1.3 trillion in 2024 billings and sales, Apple revealed 90% of that didn’t earn it a commission—further weakening its argument.

The decision comes days ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, amplifying the blow as the company faces growing scrutiny over its gatekeeping practices.