The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Apple's request to pause a lower court order mandating App Store rule changes. This decision forces Apple to allow developers to include links to external payment methods while the company pursues a Supreme Court appeal.
The ruling follows a legal battle with Epic Games that began in 2020. A district court previously found Apple in violation of an injunction regarding its implementation of external link rules and commission structures.
Apple must now permit external links without its contested commission structure. This requirement remains in effect while the broader legal litigation continues.