Apple has requested the U.S. District Court in Northern California to suspend the enforcement of new App Store regulations following its recent legal setback against Epic Games. In an emergency motion filed on Wednesday, Apple asked for a stay on the court’s injunction, which mandates that the company permit developers to include links to alternative payment methods within their apps. This court order emerged from a prolonged legal dispute with Epic Games, initiated after the Fortnite developer challenged Apple’s App Store business model. Although the court largely sided with Apple, it ruled that the company’s anti-steering provisions—preventing developers from informing users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store—violate California’s Unfair Competition Law. Apple stated it would comply with the injunction while appealing the decision. If granted, the stay would allow Apple to retain its current App Store policies until the appeal is resolved. Several prominent apps, including Kindle, Patreon, and Spotify, have already adapted to the new rules allowing links to external payment methods. Apple seeks to delay two key requirements: a prohibition on charging commissions for purchases made via external payment links and restrictions on the style, placement, or language of those links in iOS apps. Apple argues these provisions exceed the original 2021 injunction and could cause significant financial harm. The company maintains it is likely to succeed on appeal and requests a ruling by May 28, 2025. Epic Games criticized Apple’s motion, stating it aims to block competition at the expense of consumers and developers.
— new from 9to5Mac
