Apple is asking a court to temporarily halt the enforcement of a ruling that forces it to relinquish control over App Store payment processing. This move comes as the tech giant appeals a decision that found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction stemming from the Epic Games lawsuit.
The company argues in a Wednesday filing that the court order imposes ‘extraordinary intrusions’ that could severely harm its business. These intrusions, Apple contends, undermine the integrated iOS ecosystem and the user trust it has carefully cultivated. The ruling mandates that Apple cease collecting its up to 27 percent commission on purchases made outside the App Store and prohibits it from restricting how developers direct users to external payment options.
While Apple initially complied with the order, allowing apps like Kindle, Patreon, Spotify, and Delta’s emulator to link to external payment systems without restrictions, the company’s subsequent appeal and request for a stay suggest a determined effort to maintain its grip on the App Store’s operations.
Apple’s motion emphasizes the potential for ‘grave irreparable harm’ if the current rules remain in effect while the appeal is pending. The company claims that the new payment regulations ‘profoundly undercut’ the iOS ecosystem, a system the court previously upheld as lawful. The outcome of this request for a stay will significantly impact the future of App Store payment policies and the ongoing debate surrounding Apple’s control over its digital marketplace. The legal battle continues, and the eyes of the tech world are watching closely.
