Story perspectives

Court to Review Apple’s Epic Games Contempt Appeal

7/1/2026

Summary

Apple Appeals Contempt

June 30, 2026: Court agreed to hear Apple’s appeal of a contempt ruling in its Epic Games case.
Contempt stemmed from Apple’s 27 % fee on purchases via third-party links allowed after a 2021 injunction.
The Court will review only the contempt issue.
Oral arguments are set for October 2026 with a decision expected by mid-2027.
Apple warned EU, Brazil, India and the United Kingdom regulators that the case could affect future commission rates.

Summary

Apple Faces Fee

A court will calculate Apple’s fee structure if the Supreme Court upholds the contempt order.
Developers have largely avoided the link-out system because the 27% fee offers little discount versus Apple’s 30% commission.
Epic Games called Apple’s compliance “malicious compliance,” alleging the 27% charge was set to undermine the injunction.
Apple urged regulators to take stronger action in its Supreme Court filing, saying the injunction could reshape the app marketplace.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General John Ashcroft, settled United States v. Microsoft, requiring API sharing that curbed Windows monopoly practices. The EU later fined Microsoft €899 million in 2008 for similar violations. That precedent underlies today’s Apple dispute with Epic Games over platform fees, prompting Brazil and India to consider tighter digital-market caps.

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Apple Appeals Contempt

June 30, 2026: Court agreed to hear Apple’s appeal of a contempt ruling in its Epic Games case.
Contempt stemmed from Apple’s 27 % fee on purchases via third-party links allowed after a 2021 injunction.
The Court will review only the contempt issue.
Oral arguments are set for October 2026 with a decision expected by mid-2027.
Apple warned EU, Brazil, India and the United Kingdom regulators that the case could affect future commission rates.

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