Apple defeats ban on charging commission on linked-out purchases from iOS apps

Apple has defeated the total ban on charging a commission on web-based purchases that originate from links inside iOS apps. However, a fair rate will need to be established or agreed upon before Apple can resume charging a commission on linked-out purchases.

In Epic Games Inc V. Apple Inc., the court ruled that Apple violated anti-steering law when it applied a 27% commission on web-based purchases originating from iOS apps.

As a result, Apple was barred from applying any commission on link-out purchases.

In today’s decision, the court has decided that an all-out ban on commissions isn’t appropriate.

Still, it says that commissions shouldn’t be prohibitive. The court views Apple’s 27% commission rate as designed to discourage the use of external links.

Today’s decision doesn’t yet allow Apple to continue charging a commission on linked-out purchases yet. Instead, the court encourages Apple and Epic Games to agree on a rate or rely on the court to establish fair policy.

Another adjustment to the court’s decision from April is that Apple is allowed to require buttons, links, and calls to action be no larger or more prominent than Apple’s in-app purchase options.

Epic already presents its in-app purchase alternative links in the same style as Apple’s IAP option.

The court decision reached in April opened the door for Epic Games to offer Fortnite in the U.S. App Store for iPhone and iPad. This week, Fortnite ranked among the most downloaded apps of 2025, according to Apple.

You can read today’s court decision in full here.

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