Apple Seeks Delay in Court Ruling to Protect Revenue Stream
Apple is making efforts to postpone a court ruling that requires the company to allow iOS app developers in the U.S. to redirect users to external payment systems without paying a commission to Apple. The tech giant filed an emergency motion seeking a partial stay on the ruling that was issued last week.
Court Ruling Favoring Epic Games
A U.S. court recently ruled in favor of Epic Games in a case against Apple, finding that Apple did not comply with a previous order. The ruling mandates Apple to allow apps on the U.S. App Store to redirect users to external payment systems, cease collecting commissions on those transactions, and stop displaying warning messages about non-Apple purchases.
Apple’s Response
Apple is requesting a stay on the restrictions related to charging commissions on transactions made through external links and regulating the language and placement of these links. The company argues that the new ruling goes beyond the original injunction from 2021, as it did not explicitly prohibit Apple from charging commissions on non-Apple payment systems at that time.
Apple claims it complied with the 2021 injunction by allowing developers to link to non-Apple payment systems but still charged a percentage on those transactions. The company states that the new restrictions will result in substantial financial losses and are not based on unlawful conduct.
Impact on Apple’s Business
Apple asserts that without a stay on the ruling, the imposed restrictions will cause irreparable harm to its business. The company has already filed an appeal against the court decision and is currently allowing developers to redirect users to external payment systems.
Popular apps like Spotify and Amazon have already updated their platforms to direct users to their own websites for payments, in compliance with the new ruling.
