Apple Eliminates 30% Commission on External Payment Links

• Apple must now abandon commissions on external payment transactions
• Restrictions on developers’ use of external links and scare screens are lifted
• Ruling stems from the ongoing Epic vs. Apple legal battle

Another chapter unfolds in the Epic v. Apple dispute, which many believed was long resolved. Apple, the iOS and iPhone giant, is now compelled to eliminate its 30% commission on links directing to alternative payment systems outside the App Store.

What does this mean for consumers? In essence, Apple has suffered a significant defeat in the Epic v. Apple case, sparked when Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney enabled direct in-app purchases for Fortnite, offering players notable discounts.

While Apple previously relaxed restrictions on external linking in the EU, the U.S. had largely favored the tech giant until now.

Connecting Freely

Under the new ruling, Apple is prohibited from: charging fees on purchases made outside apps, restricting developers’ link placements or formats, limiting calls to action (such as banners highlighting savings), excluding specific apps or developers, using scare screens to sway consumers, or failing to provide neutral messaging when directing users to third-party sites.

Though Epic lost some early battles, it has largely triumphed in this legal war. Apple intends to appeal, but overturning the judges’ decision appears unlikely.

With the Epic Games Store gaining traction on Android and iOS in the EU, and Android in the U.S., the iOS App Store’s dominance may soon wane.