Apple Loses Bid to Postpone App Store Fee Proceedings
A US court has rejected Apple's attempt to pause App Store fee proceedings in the Epic Games case, giving Apple 24 hours to file its proposed fee and evidence
A US court has rejected Apple's attempt to postpone App Store fee proceedings in the Epic Games case. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers denied Apple's request, giving the company 24 hours to file its proposed fee and evidence.
Epic Games will have 60 days to respond with its analysis of Apple's proposed fee. Apple proposed a commission structure with rates of up to 15% for purchases made outside the App Store. The proposed commission rates are 15% for standard apps, 10% for Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program, and 5% for Small Business Program apps.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review Apple's contempt ruling, which found the company in contempt for charging a 27% commission on off-App Store purchases. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of court in April 2025 for willfully violating her 2021 injunction requiring Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods.
## What changed The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Judge Gonzalez Rogers' order that prohibited Apple from collecting fees from external payments, allowing Apple to charge a commission based on 'necessary costs'. Apple has asked the court to order the parties into a settlement conference, but Epic Games did not consent to the request.
## Why it matters The outcome of this case will determine the commission structure for purchases made outside the App Store, affecting both Apple and Epic Games. The case is part of a long-running dispute between the two companies, which started when Epic sued Apple in 2020. The Supreme Court's review of Apple's contempt ruling and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to allow Apple to charge a commission based on 'necessary costs' have significant implications for the case.
The proposed commission rates and the court's decision will impact the App Store's business model and the revenue of developers who use the platform. The case highlights the ongoing debate over the fees charged by app stores and the need for transparency and fairness in the digital marketplace.
