Apple Scraps 30% Fee for External Links

In the latest twist of the long-running Epic vs Apple legal battle, the tech giant may soon be required to eliminate its notorious 30% commission on external payment links. This development marks a significant turning point in the courtroom drama that's been unfolding for years.

The Fallout from a Landmark Ruling

The ongoing legal saga took another dramatic turn recently when a federal judge upheld an injunction that could fundamentally reshape how Apple operates its App Store. At the heart of the matter? Those controversial "scare screens" and restrictions that have long frustrated developers trying to direct users to alternative payment options.

Breaking Down the Changes

Under the new ruling, Apple faces strict limitations on its ability to control payment flows. The company can no longer:

• Charge commissions on out-of-app purchases
• Dictate how developers present external payment links
• Prevent developers from showing potential savings
• Selectively enforce rules on certain apps
• Use intimidating warning messages

While Apple plans to appeal (as expected), industry observers note this ruling essentially hands Epic Games a strategic victory in its long-term battle against Apple's "walled garden" approach. With the Epic Games Store already gaining traction on Android platforms and in European iOS markets, these changes could accelerate the App Store's gradual loss of dominance in mobile distribution.