Apple has been barred from restricting external payment links in apps on U.S. soil
In a landmark decision today, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple can no longer impose its in-app payment system or charge commissions on external payment links within apps on the App Store .
Effective immediately, Apple is prohibited from:
- Taxing or restricting external payment options within apps
- Controlling how developers display links or buttons to alternative payment methods
This ruling stems from the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games , which began over four years ago. While earlier decisions favored Apple, this latest outcome represents a major win for Epic and app developers across the U.S.
Developers can now:
- Include direct links to their own payment systems
- Offer alternative purchasing options without paying Apple’s up to 30% fee
- Give users more transparent and cost-effective choices
The decision marks a significant shift in Apple’s control over app monetization in the U.S., opening the door for more flexible and competitive pricing models on iOS.
In a decisive expansion of the recent court ruling, Apple is now officially barred from imposing any fees or restrictions on purchases made outside apps , and must allow developers to freely direct users to alternative payment methods.
Key Points of the Ruling:
- No commission or fees can be charged on transactions that occur outside the app .
- Developers are free to use any style, formatting, or placement for external purchase links — including buttons or calls to action — without interference from Apple.
- Apple cannot block, limit, or discourage users from accessing external payment options.
- When users choose to leave an app to make a purchase, Apple can only display a neutral message informing them they’re navigating to a third-party site — no warnings or scare tactics allowed.
What Hurt Apple’s Case:
- Alex Roman , Apple’s VP of Finance, was found to have lied under oath .
- CEO Tim Cook knowingly pushed to ignore the court’s 2021 ruling , despite internal objections from Apple Fellow Phil Schiller .
Apple’s Response:
The company stated:
“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.”
Background:
Previously, Apple required all in-app purchases to go through its proprietary payment system, charging up to 30% commission . Developers were banned from including or even mentioning external payment options , and when a prior ruling limited this practice, Apple resorted to intimidating pop-ups warning users about leaving the app — even applying a 27% fee to some external purchases.
Developer Reactions:
- Epic Games , the driving force behind the lawsuit, and Spotify , which has also clashed with Apple over similar issues, have both welcomed the ruling .
- Both companies announced plans to update their apps immediately to reflect the new freedom in how they handle payments and user navigation.
This landmark ruling marks a turning point in developer rights and platform control , and could pave the way for more open and fair monetization practices across iOS in the U.S.
