Apple Drops 30% Fee on External Links

In the latest development of the ongoing Epic vs Apple saga, a significant ruling may force Apple to abandon its controversial 30% commission on payments made through links to alternative payment methods outside the App Store. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in a legal battle that began when Epic Games, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, allowed Fortnite players to make in-app purchases directly from Epic, bypassing Apple's payment system and offering players a substantial discount.

The implications of this ruling are profound. Previously, Apple had to comply with similar regulations in the EU, but the US courts had been more favorable towards Apple. Now, however, the company faces stringent restrictions: it cannot impose fees on purchases made outside the app, restrict developers' ability to place or format links, limit the use of 'calls to action' that inform users of potential savings, exclude certain apps or developers, or use 'scare screens' to dissuade users from choosing alternative payment methods. Instead, Apple must use 'neutral messaging' to inform users that they are navigating to a third-party site.

While Epic Games may have faced setbacks in earlier stages of the legal battle, this ruling positions them as the ultimate victor in the war against Apple's restrictive payment policies. Apple has announced plans to appeal the decision, but the likelihood of overturning the judges' rulings appears slim.

With the Epic Games Store for mobile already established on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the US, the significance of the iOS App Store may diminish over time. This shift could herald a new era of flexibility and choice for developers and consumers alike, reshaping the mobile gaming landscape.