Apple Argues Epic Games Case Should Not Lead to Broad App Store Policy Changes

Apple is continuing its long-running legal battle with Epic Games, arguing that the dispute over App Store commissions should not result in court-ordered changes affecting every developer on the U.S. App Store.

In a new petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, Apple contends that Epic's lawsuit focused solely on its own grievances and was never structured as a class action representing the broader developer community. According to Apple, the injunction issued by lower courts should therefore not extend to companies that were never involved in the litigation, including major firms such as Microsoft and Spotify.

The company argues that Epic never attempted to demonstrate why the relief granted in the case should apply to all App Store developers rather than being limited to Epic itself. Apple's filing asks the Supreme Court to review the lower court's decision and reconsider the scope of the injunction.

Apple is also challenging a separate civil contempt ruling issued by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding its compliance with an earlier injunction. That order required Apple to allow developers to include links in their apps that direct users to alternative payment methods outside Apple's in-app purchasing system.

Although Apple ultimately permitted those links, the company continued charging commissions on purchases completed through external payment channels. The court later concluded that imposing fees of up to 27% on those transactions undermined the injunction's intent, leading to a contempt finding.

Apple, however, maintains that it complied with the written terms of the order. The company argues that the injunction never explicitly prohibited commissions on purchases made through external payment systems, leaving room for interpretation. As a result, Apple believes it should not be held in civil contempt for allegedly violating what the court viewed as the broader purpose or "spirit" of the ruling.

The legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games began in 2020 and has since become one of the most closely watched antitrust and platform-governance battles in the technology industry. More than five years later, the case continues to generate new appeals, filings, and court decisions with no clear conclusion in sight.

Epic Games sharply criticised Apple's latest appeal, calling it a final attempt to delay the outcome of the litigation and to avoid broader competition in digital payments. The game developer argues that allowing alternative payment options would ultimately benefit consumers by increasing choice and reducing reliance on Apple's payment ecosystem.

Apple's latest filing comes shortly after the Supreme Court rejected the company's separate request to pause further proceedings while it challenged sanctions related to the case.

Meanwhile, Epic Games recently announced that Fortnite has returned to the App Store in markets worldwide, except in Australia. The company said it believes recent court decisions support its position and suggest that Apple's current commission structure may face further legal challenges.

As the case moves forward, the outcome could have significant implications for app developers, digital marketplaces, and payment systems across the broader technology industry. However, Apple's latest argument seeks to ensure that any eventual ruling remains narrowly focused on Epic Games rather than reshaping App Store policies for every developer operating on its platform.