Apple is facing significant changes as it may be required to eliminate its controversial 30% commission on payments made through links to external platforms. This development comes from the long-running legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, which has recently taken a decisive turn.
The crux of the issue began when Epic Games allowed players to make in-app purchases directly within their popular game Fortnite, offering discounts that sidestepped Apple’s payment system. This move sparked the legal confrontation that has now led to this ruling, which paints a clear picture: Apple has emerged as the loser in this case.
Previously, Apple was limited in its ability to impose such fees in the European Union, but the U.S. courts seemed more favorable toward the tech giant. That has now changed.
Under the new ruling, Apple is prohibited from enforcing fees on outside purchases or imposing restrictions on how developers can link to those payments. This means developers can freely showcase external links without worrying about Apple’s regulations or penalties.
Furthermore, Apple must refrain from using so-called “scare screens” that might discourage consumers from opting for alternative payment methods. They are also required to present neutral messaging to users, informing them when they are heading to a third-party site.
While Epic Games may have faced setbacks during the legal process, this ruling signifies a major victory for them. Apple plans to appeal the decision, but given the current judicial sentiment, the outcome may not favor them.
With the Epic Games Store gaining traction on mobile platforms, particularly on Android and in the EU, the relevance of the iOS App Store could diminish as developers seek more favorable payment options.