Apple Appeals App Store Changes, Claims Unconstitutionality

Apple Inc. has filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court against recent changes mandated for its App Store, arguing that the modifications are unconstitutional. The company contends that the injunction imposed on it extends “beyond what is permissible by law.” This latest move is part of an ongoing legal battle that began several years ago when Epic Games accused Apple of maintaining an illegal monopoly and enforcing anti-competitive practices on app developers.

The roots of this conflict trace back to a court ruling that sided with Epic, requiring Apple to allow developers to link to external payment sources for in-app purchases. This ruling aimed to eliminate the necessity for users to make purchases solely through the App Store, which allows Apple to collect a commission on those transactions. In compliance with the court’s decision, Apple made the necessary adjustments in 2024 but introduced fees for developers who opted to link to external payment platforms.

Epic subsequently returned to court, claiming that these new fees violated the original ruling. The judge concurred with Epic, mandating Apple to permit developers to link externally without incurring additional charges. This revised ruling is now the focal point of Apple’s appeal, which asserts that the injunction was improperly broadened and altered.

Legal Implications of the Appeal

Apple’s challenge to the modified injunction emphasizes its dissatisfaction with the court’s handling of the case. The company is requesting that the court dismiss the new injunction and revert to the original terms. Should the appeal succeed, Apple could reinstate the fees for external links, significantly impacting developers who rely on alternative payment methods.

Currently, U.S. developers are permitted to include external links without additional fees, a condition Apple must adhere to while the appeal is pending. The timeline for any potential changes remains uncertain, as the court’s decision could take some time.

This appeal is part of a broader context in which Epic Games has also criticized Apple’s terms for the App Store in the European Union, labeling them as punitive towards developers. Epic is simultaneously engaged in similar legal proceedings against Google, indicating a larger trend of scrutiny over major tech companies’ practices in the app marketplace.

As this legal saga unfolds, the implications could reshape the landscape for app developers and the operations of platforms like Apple’s App Store, which has become a critical revenue source for the company. The outcome of this appeal could set significant precedents for how digital marketplaces function and how developers interact with platform owners.