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By the People, for the People
Apple Seeks Supreme Court Review in Epic Games App Store Battle
Tech giant plans to challenge court ruling limiting its ability to charge fees on external payments.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:38pm
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The Supreme Court's decision on Apple's App Store fees could reshape the digital infrastructure powering the future of mobile platforms and payments.California City TodayApple is preparing to take its long-running legal battle with Epic Games over App Store fees back to the U.S. Supreme Court. The company plans to ask the high court to review a lower court's ruling that found Apple in contempt for charging a 27% commission on external payments, which the court said effectively defeated the purpose of allowing such payments in the first place. Apple has argued that the 27% fee reflects the value of its App Store ecosystem, not just payment processing.
Why it matters
The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case could have major implications for Apple's App Store business model and the broader debate over platform fees charged by tech giants. If the court sides with Epic Games, it could force Apple to significantly lower its App Store commissions, impacting a major revenue stream.
The details
In 2020, Epic Games added external payment options to its Fortnite app to bypass Apple's standard 30% App Store fee. This led to a legal battle, with a court initially ruling that Apple was not a monopoly but had to allow developers to link to external payment options. Apple appealed that decision, but the Supreme Court declined to hear the case. As a result, Apple began allowing external payments but charged a 27% commission, which Epic and other developers argued was still not compliant with the court order. A lower court agreed, finding Apple in contempt, and that decision was upheld by an appeals court. Now, with no more options within the Ninth Circuit, Apple plans to take the case to the Supreme Court.
- In 2020, Epic Games added external payment options to Fortnite, leading to the legal battle with Apple.
- In 2021, a court ruled that Apple was not a monopoly but had to allow developers to link to external payment options.
- In 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a lower court's decision that Apple's 27% fee on external payments was not compliant with the court order.
- In March 2026, Apple's request for a rehearing on the Ninth Circuit's decision was denied.
The players
Apple
A multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
Epic Games
A video game and software development company best known for its Fortnite game and Unreal Engine game development platform.
U.S. Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States, with the power of judicial review over federal and state legislation.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
One of the 13 United States courts of appeals, with jurisdiction over the western states including California.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
A federal district court with jurisdiction over the northern part of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area.
What’s next
If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, Apple is expected to challenge the legal standards used to hold it in contempt and try to convince the judges that courts should not be allowed to limit the fees it can charge for its services. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case could have major implications for Apple's App Store business model.
The takeaway
This ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games over App Store fees highlights the broader debate around the power and control of major tech platforms. The Supreme Court's potential involvement could set important precedents that impact the future of app distribution and platform economics.
