Apple Loosens App Store Rules After U.S. Court Order in Epic Case
Following a legal setback, Apple must now allow developers to link users to external payment options—without warnings or restrictive language.
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CUPERTINO, Calif., May 2, 2025 — Apple has revised its App Store policies in the United States to permit developers to link users to external websites for digital purchases, complying with a federal court order in its high-profile legal battle with Epic Games.
The update marks a notable shift in the iPhone maker’s grip on in-app transactions, following a court decision that found Apple’s previous restrictions violated fair competition standards. The case, filed by Epic in 2020, challenged Apple’s longstanding policy requiring all digital purchases to flow through its proprietary payment system—subject to a 30% commission.
“The App Review Guidelines have been updated for compliance with a United States court decision regarding buttons, external links, and other calls to action in apps,” Apple said in a blog post Thursday.
Although Apple began allowing limited external linking last year after losing an appeal, it still imposed a 27% fee on those transactions and displayed warnings that discouraged users from completing purchases outside the App Store—dubbed “scare screens” by critics.
This week’s ruling forces Apple to eliminate such tactics and loosen its guidelines. The company has already withdrawn rules requiring specific wording for external links.
Apple indicated it would comply, but not without objection. “We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal,” the company said in a statement.
Spotify, which has long battled Apple over similar App Store restrictions, has already submitted an updated version of its app to the U.S. App Store with direct links for external subscriptions.
It remains unclear whether Apple will continue imposing a commission on external purchases. The company has not yet responded to a request for comment.
The ruling underscores mounting scrutiny over Apple’s control of its app ecosystem—a central issue in ongoing antitrust debates and developer complaints globally.
We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.
