Apple has proposed new commissions of 5% to 15% on purchases made through external links in iOS apps, asking a federal court to allow the company to collect fees on transactions that bypass its App Store payment system. The filing in the US District Court of Northern California came after the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Apple bid to pause further action in the long-running case with Epic Games.
Under the proposed structure, standard apps would face a 15% commission on qualifying purchases made through external links. Developers enrolled in certain Apple affiliate programs would receive lower rates of 10%, while small developers with annual revenue under $1 million would pay just 5%. Subscription renewals would be reduced to 10% under the plan.
Epic Games Pushes Back
The proposal marks the latest chapter in the legal battle that began when Epic Games added a direct payment option to Fortnite in 2020, bypassing Apple 30% App Store commission. Apple subsequently removed Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a years-long legal dispute over platform fees and developer freedoms.
Epic Games has already criticized the proposal, saying it is far outside the bounds of the Ninth Circuit guidance on permissible fees. The game maker plans to file an official objection with expert comments within 60 days. Apple standard App Store commission of 30% on digital purchases remains unchanged and is not part of this proposal.
The case stems from a 2024 court ruling that required Apple to allow developers to redirect American users to external payment systems. Apple initially introduced a 27% fee on such transactions, but Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers prohibited the company from taking any money from purchases made outside the App Store in early 2025. Apple is now attempting to reinstate commissions with a revised, lower structure.
The outcome could reshape how app platform fees work across the industry. If the court approves the new rates, it would set a precedent for how much platform operators can charge on external transactions, a question with implications far beyond Apple and Epic Games. Apple argues the proposed rates would allow it to recoup at least some compensation for the tools, technologies, and services it provides to developers.
Sources: TechCrunch; Engadget; The Verge; Game World Observer
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