Apple Seeks Supreme Court Review on App Store Commissions

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Apple has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review lower court decisions that have restricted how the company can handle commissions on mobile purchases made through third-party payment systems on its App Store. The dispute traces back to 2020 when Epic Games added an alternative payment option inside Fortnite, bypassing Apple's in-app purchasing system. While a 2021 ruling largely favored Apple, it required the company to allow developers to point users to other payment methods. Apple has since appealed the decision, arguing that courts should not restrict how it charges for its services or impose limits on commissions.

Why it matters

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the mobile app ecosystem and the control tech giants like Apple have over their platforms. It touches on broader debates around antitrust, consumer choice, and the balance of power between platform owners and app developers.

The details

In 2020, Epic Games added an alternative payment option inside the Fortnite app, designed to bypass Apple's in-app purchasing system and the 30% commission the company charges. This led to a legal battle between the two companies. A 2021 ruling largely favored Apple, finding that it was not a monopoly under federal antitrust law. However, the ruling required Apple to allow developers to direct users to other payment methods. Apple appealed this decision, and in response, permitted external payment links but added a 27% commission on those transactions. Epic challenged this approach, and the Northern District of California sided with Epic, finding Apple in contempt. The Ninth Circuit upheld this decision in December 2025, stating that Apple's 27% commission defeated the purpose of permitting payment alternatives, though it did not establish a new commission rate. Apple has now decided to take the case to the Supreme Court, arguing that courts should not restrict how it charges for its services or impose limits on commissions.

• In 2020, Epic Games added an alternative payment option inside the Fortnite app.
• In 2021, a ruling largely favored Apple, but required the company to allow developers to direct users to other payment methods.
• In December 2025, the Ninth Circuit upheld a decision finding Apple in contempt for its 27% commission on external payment links.
• Last month, Apple's request for a rehearing was denied.

What’s next

If the Supreme Court accepts the case, Apple is expected to argue that courts shouldn't restrict how it charges for its services or impose limits on commissions.