Apple’s request to delay implementing new App Retailer guidelines has been denied by the Supreme Court docket, within the firm’s newest setback in its combat with Epic Video games.
The brand new determination is the newest defeat for Apple that has resulted from the 2020 lawsuit in opposition to Epic. Apple received the good majority of that case, but it’s nonetheless embroiled in authorized battles over it.
On Monday, Might 4, 2026, Apple requested the Supreme Court docket for a keep on a mandate that noticed it required to fulfill with Epic Video games in courtroom to barter a brand new fee price. Based on Reuters, that request has now been denied by Justice Elena Kagan.
Beforehand, the ninth US Circuit Court docket of Appeals had dominated that Apple was in contempt of the foundations enforced on it to have a tendency the agency’s anti-steering practices. Consequently, since April 2025, Apple has been compelled to take no fee on these exterior purchases.
The Supreme Court docket has now upheld the decrease courtroom’s ruling. However that unique ninth Circuit ruling was amended in December 2025 to permit Apple to argue what fee it must cost.
So for now, Apple will proceed to take zero cash when iPhone customers buy sure further options by linking out of the App Retailer to builders’ websites.
Apple vs Epic continues. Picture supply: Epic Video games
Apple had hoped to have this component of the case paused whereas it ready an attraction in opposition to the general ruling about App Retailer commissions on exterior purchases. The corporate had argued that:
A keep is now wanted earlier than Apple is compelled to litigate its fee price beneath an misguided and prejudicial contempt label— in proceedings that might reshape the worldwide app market— earlier than this Court docket can contemplate whether or not to grant assessment.
Consequently, what occurs subsequent contains Apple in the end bringing its attraction over the commissions to the District Courts. On the similar time, it’ll presumably have to barter with Epic Video games in courtroom.
How Apple obtained right here
It is now six years since Epic Video games selected to make Apple throw its “Fortnite” recreation off the App Retailer and so start a lengthy authorized battle. Even though Apple received that battle total, there was a single depend within the case that went in Epic’s favor.
That was regarding how Apple then prevented app builders from directing customers to other ways to pay, similar to via particular presents on their web site. Apple was ordered to alter this, and would declare that it did.
Nevertheless, Epic Video games has argued that Apple has flouted the spirit of the regulation. In April 2025, Decide Gonzalez Rogers agreed, and referred to as Apple’s strikes a “gross miscalculation” of what the courtroom would settle for.