Apple has filed a request with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to pause proceedings related to the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games over App Store fees. The company is seeking intervention from the United States Supreme Court before any decision is made by lower courts.

Background

In April 2025, a district court found that Apple had violated an injunction requiring it to allow developers to direct customers to third-party purchase options via in-app links. As a result of this ruling, Apple was banned from collecting any fees on purchases made through such links.

Apple’s Position

Apple argues that the Supreme Court should review both the contempt ruling and the scope of the injunction. The company believes that the district court’s decision to ban all fees is overly severe, and it wants to challenge this in a higher court. Apple also contends that the injunction should apply only to developers directly involved with Epic Games rather than being extended nationwide.

Action Plan

• Apple plans to petition the Supreme Court to hear the case.
• If granted, the Supreme Court would review and potentially overturn the lower court’s decision regarding fees.
• The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will decide whether to pause proceedings until a ruling from the Supreme Court is issued.

Implications

This move could significantly delay any changes to Apple’s App Store fee structure. If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it would be the last judicial step before a final decision on whether developers can charge fees through in-app links.

元記事: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/06/apple-epic-games-supreme-court-petition/