Apple Eliminates 30% Fee on External Payment Links

• Apple must now abandon commissions on external payment transactions
• Restrictions on developer links and scare screens are also removed
• Ruling stems from the ongoing Epic vs. Apple legal battle

Another chapter unfolds in the Epic v. Apple dispute, one many thought was long settled. Apple, the iOS and iPhone giant, is now required to eliminate its contentious 30% commission on external payment links outside the App Store.

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

While Apple previously had to ease restrictions on external linking in the EU, the U.S. had largely sided with them—until now.

External Links Unlocked

Apple is now barred from: charging fees on purchases made outside apps, restricting how developers format or place links, limiting calls to action (like banners highlighting savings), excluding specific apps or developers, using scare screens to sway users, and must adopt neutral messaging to inform users about third-party site redirects.

While Epic may have faced setbacks, it’s clear they’ve gained the upper hand. Apple intends to appeal, but overturning this ruling seems unlikely.

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