Observed Signal · Apr 29, 2026 · Court Ruling · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Court Keeps Apple App Store Payment Link Changes Active
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted Epic Games’ motion to reverse a prior stay, ordering that Apple must continue to allow developers to include links to external payment options in iOS apps without charging commissions. The decision reverses an earlier order that temporarily paused App Store payment changes while Apple sought Supreme Court review. Epic called Apple’s attempt to pause the changes a delay tactic. The court found Apple had not shown good cause that it would suffer irreparable harm if the changes remained in place. The case is headed toward possible Supreme Court review; its final outcome will determine whether and how Apple can collect fees on purchases made outside the U.S. App Store.
A federal appellate court decision affecting App Store payment rules from a major platform (Apple) has material implications for developer revenue, platform commission policy, and the broader app economy; the case may reach the Supreme Court.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted Epic Games’ motion for reconsideration and reversed a prior stay.
- As a result, Apple must continue allowing developers to use links to external payment options in apps without charging commissions on those external purchases.
- Apple had earlier obtained a temporary pause of the App Store changes while it sought Supreme Court review; that pause has now been reversed.
- The Ninth Circuit said Apple failed to demonstrate good cause or irreparable harm to justify sustaining the prior stay.
- The dispute between Apple and Epic Games is proceeding toward potential Supreme Court review; the final ruling will determine whether Apple can collect fees on purchases made outside its U.S. App Store.
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Apple Appeals App Store External-Payments Ruling
Apple has filed to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Ninth Circuit ruling that limits how it can charge for external payments tied to App Store apps. The company is also seeking a stay of the appeals court’s contempt finding that its 27% commission on purchases using developers’ own payment systems undermined the court-ordered right to link to external payment options. The dispute stems from Epic Games adding external payments to Fortnite in 2020 to bypass App Store fees; lower courts and the Ninth Circuit found Apple in contempt in December 2025 and sent the issue back to a lower court. Apple argues the fee reflects broader App Store services, while Epic and developers say the charge defeats the court’s intent. Epic spokesperson Natalie Munoz criticized Apple’s stay request as a delay tactic.
Apple asks Supreme Court to limit App Store injunction
Apple has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Ninth Circuit ruling in the long-running Epic Games case, arguing that any injunction altering App Store rules should not apply to all developers. In its petition Apple says Epic never sought class action status and did not demonstrate that injunctive relief must extend to unrelated developers such as Microsoft or Spotify. Apple also challenges the Ninth Circuit’s civil contempt finding over Apple’s practice of allowing links to external payment options while still charging fees on those external transactions (the court highlighted a 27% fee). The Supreme Court recently declined Apple’s request to pause additional contempt proceedings. Epic criticized Apple’s petition as a delay tactic; Epic has said Fortnite is back on the App Store globally except Australia.
Meta's Muse AI Agent Could Threaten Apple's App Store Revenue
Analysts at Needham and Bank of America warn that Meta's new consumer AI agent, Muse, could disrupt Apple's App Store revenue through AI 'disintermediation'. Needham estimates Apple could lose up to $10 billion in revenue if 20% of App Store transactions shift to Meta's 0% fee Muse Connectors platform. Meta reported receiving over 1,500 developer applications within 168 hours of launching Muse Connectors, potentially siphoning developers from Apple. Bank of America's Tal Liani notes that AI agents auditing subscriptions could increase churn for businesses as consumers cancel low-engagement services. The report highlights the growing role of AI agents in commerce and their potential to reshape digital marketplaces.
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