Apple is currently seeking to overturn a recent court ruling related to its App Store operations and is also requesting a new judge for the case. The tech giant has lodged a new appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court, pushing for the dismissal of an order that prohibits the company from collecting commissions on in-app purchases made through external payment systems. Apple argues that this ruling is excessively punitive and addresses actions that are not illegal.
This appeal follows a significant ruling from U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found Apple in civil contempt for failing to comply with a 2021 injunction. This prior order mandated that developers be allowed to direct users to third-party payment options. The recent ruling intensified the restrictions, barring Apple from taking any commission on sales through external links and establishing new rules for how developers can communicate with users about alternative platforms.
In its filing, Apple contends that these new restrictions overstep legal boundaries. The company defended its 27% commission on purchases from external links, arguing that while some may deem this rate excessive, it does not warrant a complete ban on commissions. Apple asserted that the district court’s prohibition lacks grounding in the original injunction and violates the legal standards.
In its appeal, Apple is asking the court to nullify the new injunction, reverse the contempt ruling, and eliminate five additional rules regarding developers’ guidance to alternative payment systems. These rules encompass limitations on button designs and link placements. Furthermore, Apple is calling for the case to be reassigned to a new judge, citing concerns about fairness given the current judge’s past decisions.
Apple emphasized its commitment to user security and the overall integrity of the App Store experience as key reasons for its appeal. Meanwhile, Epic Games has chosen not to comment on this ongoing legal dispute, which demonstrates Apple’s determination to maintain its revenue streams from in-app payments.