Apple Drops 30% Fee on External Links

It's another day in the ongoing Epic vs Apple saga, and it looks like Apple might have to abandon its controversial 30% commission on alternative payment links outside the App Store. This development stems from a significant ruling in the long-drawn-out legal battle between the two tech giants.

What does this mean for users? Essentially, Apple has been decisively declared the loser in the original Epic vs Apple case, which began when Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, allowed Fortnite players to make in-app purchases directly from Epic, bypassing Apple's payment system for a considerable discount.

While Apple had already been compelled to remove fees and other restrictions on outside linking in the EU, the rulings in the US had previously been more favorable to them. However, the latest ruling prohibits Apple from:

• Imposing fees on purchases made outside of an app
• Restricting developers' placements or formatting of links
• Limiting the use of 'calls to action' (such as banners indicating potential savings)
• Excluding certain apps or developers
• Interfering with consumer choice through 'scare screens'
• Using anything other than 'neutral messaging' to inform users they are navigating to a third-party site

Although Epic may have lost some individual battles, they seem to be winning the war. Apple intends to appeal the decision, but overturning the judges' rulings appears unlikely.

With the Epic Games Store for mobile already established on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the US, it's possible that the importance of the iOS App Store may diminish over time.