The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Apple’s request to delay a court ruling that requires the company to allow app developers to direct users to external payment platforms. Apple had implemented the required changes to its App Store policies in April but sought a stay while it pursued an appeal. The court rejected the request, stating Apple had not demonstrated sufficient grounds to justify a delay. This decision means Apple must comply with the original ruling for now, even as further legal proceedings continue. The case originated from a 2020 lawsuit by Epic Games, which challenged Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases.
Following the policy changes, several major apps such as Fortnite, Spotify, and Kindle have introduced or expanded third-party payment options. The ruling has been welcomed by many in the tech and media sectors. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, praised the development as a step toward greater freedom for developers and users. Chris Best, CEO of Substack, noted that the changes benefit independent creators by offering more flexibility in how they monetize content. Apple, however, maintains its disagreement with the court’s decision, citing concerns over user safety and the overall App Store experience.
