According to 9to5Mac , the US Supreme Court has rejected Apple's appeal, forcing the company to allow app developers to link to external payment systems.
The outcome of the 2021 Apple vs. Epic trial saw Apple win on most fronts, except for the judge ruling that Apple must relax its App Store anti-stealth policy and allow developers like Epic Games to integrate links to alternative payment systems into their apps.
US court forces Apple to open up to third-party payment systems
Apple had delayed the ruling by appealing it. But the court recently declined to hear Apple’s appeal, with the original ruling standing. The App Store has faced regulatory pressure in recent years, as governments have targeted Apple’s monopoly over the iPhone software ecosystem.
Apple has been charging a commission of 15 to 30 percent on all transactions through its in-app purchase system. The company has also banned apps from informing customers about alternative payment methods that may exist.
The court’s decision will allow apps to let users know they have other payment options, with a direct link to an external website. If customers choose to use the alternative payment method, developers will be able to earn more revenue because they won’t have to pay Apple’s commission.
However, Apple can still require developers to share commissions. For example, in the Netherlands, dating apps are allowed to use alternative payment methods, but Apple still requires developers to pay commissions.
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