Apple Seeks Commission on External App Store Transactions Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
In the latest development of the protracted legal conflict between Apple and Epic Games, the tech giant has submitted a formal proposal to the court. Apple is arguing that it deserves to recover a portion of revenue generated through digital transactions, even when those purchases occur via external links that bypass the company’s proprietary in-app payment infrastructure.
This move represents a significant attempt by Apple to maintain its revenue stream from the App Store ecosystem. However, Epic Games has swiftly pushed back, characterizing the proposal as an aggressive overreach that flagrantly ignores the parameters set by the court.
The Core of the Dispute: External Links and Commission Fees
The central tension revolves around how Apple monetizes its platform. Historically, Apple has mandated that developers use its own payment system, which typically carries a commission fee ranging from 15% to 30%. By introducing external links, developers have sought to circumvent these costs, effectively routing users to their own payment gateways.
Apple’s recent legal filing suggests that the company believes it is entitled to “at least some compensation” for the value provided by the App Store, regardless of whether the final transaction occurs within the app or on a third-party website. Essentially, Apple views the platform as a premium storefront that warrants a service fee for the discovery and distribution it facilitates.
A History of Non-Compliance and Judicial Scrutiny
This request follows a series of unfavorable rulings for the iPhone maker. In April 2025, California district court judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers determined that Apple had “willfully” failed to adhere to the mandates of the original 2021 Epic Games v. Apple injunction. That initial ruling was intended to open the door for developers to offer alternative payment methods.
Because of this history of non-compliance, the court currently prohibits Apple from collecting commissions on transactions completed outside of its ecosystem. Epic Games contends that Apple’s new proposal is a transparent attempt to circumvent these judicial restrictions, labeling the request as being “far outside of the bounds” of the court’s previous guidance.
The Broader Economic Context
The stakes are incredibly high for both parties. According to recent industry data, global consumer spending on mobile apps continues to climb, with billions of dollars flowing through app stores annually. For Apple, the App Store remains a cornerstone of its Services division, which has become a primary engine for the company’s growth. For Epic Games, the ability to bypass these fees is essential for maintaining the profitability of titles like Fortnite, which rely on high-volume, low-cost microtransactions.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate globally. Regulators in the European Union and other jurisdictions are watching closely, as they have also been pushing for more open app ecosystems that reduce the dominance of gatekeepers like Apple and Google.
