Apple fails to delay filing new App Store fees to court as Epic battle continues

In a legal dispute that began in 2020, Apple and Epic Games have failed to reach an agreement on the issue of fee calculations. Apple requested a stay in proceedings while awaiting the Supreme Court's decision, but the court denied the request. Apple now has 24 hours to propose a menu of fees for developers using alternative payment methods and linking to web purchases, and Epic Games will have 60 days to provide a legal analysis.

The case stems from Epic suing Apple, initially resulting in Apple winning but being ordered to change its rules to allow developers to link to non-App Store purchase options. Apple implemented the new rules but still charged a 12 to 27 percent fee, which led to few developers opting for the alternative. In April 2025, a U.S. District Judge found Apple in contempt for violating the court's order, halting fee collection for links in the U.S. App Store.

Apple appealed the contempt ruling, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, leading to the denial of Apple's request for a pause on fee calculations. The outcome of this legal battle could have global implications, as Apple informed the Supreme Court that regulators worldwide are observing the result.