Apple Seeks Delay on Court Ruling Blocking External App Payment Cuts

Apple has filed an emergency motion in a U.S. appeals court to pause enforcement of a recent ruling that requires it to allow iOS app developers to direct users to external payment systems, bypassing Apple's commission fees. The new court order also prohibits Apple from charging commissions on purchases made through these external links and from imposing restrictions on the language or placement of such links within apps. Apple argues that these expanded mandates go beyond the original 2021 injunction and would cause the company to lose hundreds of millions to billions of dollars annually, describing the measures as punitive and a violation of due process. The company asserts it has complied with the earlier order by permitting external links, though it continued to charge a 27% commission on those transactions and displayed warnings to users about risks from non-Apple payments. Epic Games, the plaintiff in the long-running lawsuit, criticizes Apple's motion as an attempt to block competition and maintain control over app payments. Apple seeks a ruling on its stay request from the Ninth Circuit by May 28, 2025, aiming to protect its App Store revenue model during the ongoing legal battle.