Apple will now be required to continue allowing web links and external payment options in apps listed on the App Store.
This comes after a higher court rejected Apple’s emergency request to pause a judge’s previous order.
In April, a federal judge ruled that Apple must let developers add web links inside their apps, stop limiting how these links appear, and allow external payment options without taking a share of the revenue. Apple had appealed the decision and asked the court to delay the order until the appeal process was complete. However, the appeals court denied that request, saying Apple didn’t prove it would be seriously harmed, or that blocking the order was in the public interest.
The decision is a major setback for Apple in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games. Epic first sued Apple in 2020 over its strict App Store rules. Although Epic only won on a limited point, the court agreed that Apple needed to give developers more freedom to communicate with users about cheaper payment options.
Since the ruling, popular apps like Spotify and Kindle have already added web links for purchases. Fortnite has also returned to iOS with both Apple’s in-app payments and Epic’s own payment system. According to Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, about 60% of users still choose Apple’s payment method, while 40% go with Epic’s.
Apple responded by saying it is disappointed with the decision. Company spokesperson Olivia Dalton said Apple will continue to fight the case in court and emphasized the company’s aim to keep the App Store a safe and trusted place for users while supporting developers.
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