Apple Fights Back, Asks Court to Pause App Store Ruling

Apple has asked a court to pause new App Store rules while it appeals a recent decision. The company says the changes could seriously hurt its business.

Last week, a judge said Apple broke a 2021 court order in its case with Epic Games.

The judge told Apple to stop charging up to 27% on purchases made outside the App Store. The judge also said Apple can’t block apps from showing users how to pay outside the App Store.

Apple has started to follow the order. Now, apps like Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon can link users to outside websites to make purchases, without Apple taking a cut.

But Apple filed an appeal and is asking the court to pause the order during the appeal process.

Apple says losing control of how payments work on the App Store could damage the iOS system and user trust.

Epic Games responded on social media, calling Apple’s move a “last ditch effort” to avoid fair competition and keep charging extra fees to users and developers.