The dispute between Epic Games and Apple continues to intensify. In a repeat move, the two sides are directing their efforts toward the nation's highest court. Apple seeks Supreme Court examination of its authority to impose fees on in-app transactions processed through alternative payment methods. The company has filed a request to pause a district court's decision on the charges it levies on developers who opt for non-App Store payment processors.
Apple's previous bid for Supreme Court intervention concerned a trial court's mandate permitting developers to implement external payment solutions. That petition was rejected by the justices. While another rejection remains likely, the current appeal focuses on constraints over fee percentages, distinct from the core issue of permitting external handling of in-app transactions.
Epic Games has long challenged the app store fee structures of both Apple and Google. In a recent development, Epic secured a settlement with Google, enabling the return of its flagship title Fortnite to the Google Play platform worldwide this past March. The agreement stipulates that Epic's outspoken chief executive must refrain from public commentary on Google's store charges through 2032. Separately, Epic announced major workforce reductions last month, affecting over 1,000 employees.