Apple Drops 30% Fee on External Links

In the latest chapter of the ongoing Epic vs Apple legal battle, a significant ruling has emerged that could force Apple to abandon its 30% commission on alternative payment links outside the App Store. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the dispute that began when Epic Games, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, enabled direct in-app purchases for Fortnite, offering players substantial discounts.

Previously, Apple had to comply with similar rulings in the EU, but the U.S. courts had been more favorable towards them. However, the recent ruling now prevents Apple from imposing fees on purchases made outside of apps, restricting developers' use of external links, limiting 'calls to action' like banners that highlight potential savings, excluding specific apps or developers, and using 'scare screens' to dissuade users from using third-party payment options. Instead, Apple must adopt 'neutral messaging' when informing users they are navigating to an external site.

While Epic Games may have faced setbacks along the way, this ruling suggests they've largely won the broader conflict. Apple has announced plans to appeal, but overturning such a decision seems unlikely. As the Epic Games Store continues to expand on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the U.S., the significance of the iOS App Store may diminish over time.