Apple appeals contempt ruling in epic case

[WORLD] Apple Inc. has announced plans to appeal a recent U.S. District Court ruling that found the company in contempt for failing to comply with a 2021 injunction stemming from its antitrust dispute with Epic Games. The ruling, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on April 30, 2025, accuses Apple of willfully ignoring court orders aimed at promoting competition in the App Store.

The legal battle began in 2020 when Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, introduced a direct payment option within its app, bypassing Apple's 30% commission fee. Apple responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store, leading Epic to file an antitrust lawsuit alleging monopolistic practices. In September 2021, Judge Rogers ruled that Apple must allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods but upheld Apple's control over app distribution and in-app purchases. Both parties appealed, and in January 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the lower court's decision in place.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, Apple implemented changes to its App Store policies, permitting developers to include links directing users to external payment options. However, Epic Games contended that Apple continued to charge a 27% commission on these external transactions and imposed restrictive guidelines, rendering the links commercially unviable. In response, Epic filed a motion for contempt, leading to the April 2025 ruling.

Judge Rogers criticized Apple for deliberate delays and misinformation, referring the case to federal prosecutors for a potential criminal contempt investigation. She also barred Apple from charging fees on external purchases and from using "scare screens" to deter consumers from third-party payment methods.

In its appeal, Apple denies violating the court's earlier order and seeks to overturn the ruling. The company filed a notice to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals without detailing its legal arguments. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the future of the App Store and digital commerce.

This development adds to Apple's ongoing legal challenges concerning its App Store policies, including a new class action lawsuit filed by app developer Pure Sweat Basketball, alleging that Apple's actions have caused developers to pay inflated commissions. The lawsuit represents up to 100,000 developers and demands Apple return these funds.

As the legal proceedings continue, the tech industry and developers worldwide will be closely monitoring the case, which could set a precedent for app store regulations and competition in the digital marketplace.