San Francisco (AP) – Three Judge Appeals panels denied Apple's request for a suspension on Order April 30th. The two-page ruling issued late Thursday prevents the company from charging fees for in-app iPhone transactions that were formerly processed outside its exclusive payment system.
This decision poses a potential risk of diverting billions in revenue from Apple, as it seeks to contest the committee order affecting e-commerce within iPhone apps.
Apple attempted to pause the order after it was issued, following serious allegations against the Cupertino, California-based company, which faced criticism in court. Moreover, it was recommended that one of its executives face a criminal investigation regarding potential perjury during testimony in Oakland, California.
This represents another twist in the ongoing legal battles initiated by video game developer Epic Games nearly five years ago. Antitrust cases have primarily focused on the 15% to 30% commissions that Apple has charged on commercial transactions made within iPhone apps, under a system that bars alternative payment methods.
While Apple is still working to overturn Gonzalez Rogers' ruling in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the order barring Apple from certain commercial dealings continues to be enforced, potentially limiting its benefits.
“The end of Apple’s long national nightmare is here,” remarked Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, as noted in his post following the appeals court’s denial of Apple's request.
In a statement, Apple expressed disappointment over the rejection of its stay request and promised to pursue an appeal to “ensure that the app store remains an incredible opportunity for developers and a safe, reliable experience for users.”
Gonzalez Rogers had initially sided with Apple. In her first 2021 ruling in the case, she mandated that the app include a link to an alternative payment system. This went to the Supreme Court in 2024. Subsequently, Apple complied by implementing a fee reduction of 12% to 27%, prompting Epic to request that Gonzalez-Rogers somewhat ease Apple’s obligations regarding the order.
Following a new series of hearings spanning nine months, last year and this year, Gonzalez Rogers dealt Apple another significant legal blow.
Source: apnews.com