In a stunning courtroom victory, Epic Games triumphed over Apple on April 30, 2025, as U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers declared Apple in violation of a 2021 anti-steering injunction. The ruling, delivered in the Northern District of California, mandates immediate changes to Apple’s App Store policies, shaking the tech giant’s grip on its lucrative platform. Apple’s stock dipped 1.1% pre-market, reflecting investor unease.
Federal Judge Rules Apple Violated 2021 Injunction, Orders Immediate App Store Changes
The dispute stems from Apple’s 2021 obligation to allow developers to direct users to external payment options, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system. Epic Games accused Apple of flouting the injunction by imposing a 12-27% commission on external purchases and enforcing restrictive link rules. Judge Gonzalez Rogers agreed, slamming Apple’s actions as “willful” and designed to “maintain anticompetitive barriers.” She cited Apple’s 30% commission as yielding “supracompetitive margins” unrelated to its intellectual property value.
Apple cannot block developers
Apple now faces strict mandates. The company cannot block developers from adding links or buttons to external payment sites. It cannot charge fees for purchases made outside the App Store. Apple also cannot control link language, placement, or style, nor monitor consumer activity. “Scare screens” warning users about third-party sites are banned, replaced by neutral messages. The court referred the case to federal prosecutors, raising the specter of criminal contempt charges. Apple must also cover Epic’s legal fees through May 15, 2025.
Apple vowed to appeal, stating, “We strongly disagree with the decision.” The company insists it complied with the injunction, but the ruling paints a damning picture. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, proposed a global end to external commissions to restore Fortnite to the App Store and halt litigation. Apple’s response remains unclear, but the ruling could reshape its $100 billion App Store ecosystem.
Epic Games Store made Botanicula and the Firestone in-game currency and cosmetic pack available for free
Consumer advocates hailed the decision as a win, arguing it fosters competition and choice. Critics, however, warn of potential security risks if developers bypass Apple’s oversight. The case underscores ongoing tensions between Apple’s walled garden and developers demanding freedom. As appeals loom, the tech world watches closely for ripple effects on Google’s Play Store and global app markets.
