Apple Seeks Supreme Court Review of 27% App Store Commission Contempt Ruling
Apple has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower‐court contempt ruling that found its 27% commission on outside payment links still restricts developers. The outcome could reshape App Store payments and influence growth in the company’s high‐margin Services business.
1. Legal Battle Origins
Epic Games sued Apple in 2020 over its exclusive control of in-app payments and app distribution on iPhones. A judge ordered Apple to permit external payment links, but Apple’s subsequent 27% commission on those transactions led to a civil contempt finding.
2. Supreme Court Appeal
Apple petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing the contempt ruling overreaches since Epic was the sole plaintiff and the original order did not clearly prohibit its actions. The company maintains that millions of other developers should not be subject to penalties based on a dispute with one partner.
3. Services Business Impact
App Store fees are a key driver of Apple’s high-margin Services segment, which accounted for over $80 billion in fiscal 2025 revenue. Any limitation on its commission structure could reduce fee income and pressure future revenue growth estimates.