Apple petitions US Supreme Court to review contempt ruling in Epic Games case

• Apple implemented a 27% commission on purchases made through external payment systems within seven days of clicking an in-app link, leading to a 2025 contempt ruling for violating a 2021 injunction
• Apple argues the injunction should only apply to Epic Games as the sole plaintiff, not millions of developers, since the case is not a class action
• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the contempt finding in December but allowed Apple to argue what commission rate should be permitted for third-party payment transactions

Summary: Apple Petitions Supreme Court in Epic Games Contempt Case

Key Development: Apple filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court on May 21 to challenge a civil contempt ruling related to App Store fee practices in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games.

Background: Epic Games sued Apple in 2020 to challenge the company's control over iOS app transactions and distribution. While a judge largely dismissed Epic's claims in 2021, an injunction was issued requiring Apple to allow developers to include links directing users to non-Apple payment methods.

Core Dispute: Apple complied with the injunction but implemented a 27% commission on purchases made through external payment systems within seven days of users clicking an out-of-app link. Epic argued this violated the injunction's intent, and in 2025, a judge held Apple in contempt for violating the order.

Apple's Arguments: The company is asking the Supreme Court to review two legal issues:

1. The injunction should only apply to Epic Games, not millions of developers, since this is not a class action lawsuit
2. Apple cannot be held in contempt for violating the "spirit" of an injunction that didn't explicitly prohibit the specific conduct

Recent Ruling: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the contempt finding in December but allowed Apple to present new arguments in trial court regarding appropriate commission rates for third-party payment transactions.

Market Implications: This case could significantly impact Apple's App Store revenue model and set precedent for how platform operators handle third-party payments. The outcome may affect other tech platforms with similar marketplace structures and commission practices.