What specific App Store rule is Apple now permanently barred from enforcing?

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Apple Permanently Barred from Forcing Developers to Use In-House Payment Systems

A US judge has issued a permanent injunction barring Apple from prohibiting developers from including external links or other calls to action within their apps that direct customers to alternative purchasing mechanisms. This ruling stems from an antitrust battle initiated by Fortnite creator Epic Games. The decision, which could significantly reshape the digital economy, prevents Apple from mandating that developers exclusively utilize its proprietary sales tools for in-app transactions.
Prohibition on Restricting External Purchasing Links

The core of the judicial order mandates that Apple can no longer prevent app developers from providing direct links or prompts within their applications that guide users towards external payment options. This specific prohibition addresses a key point of contention in the lawsuit, where developers argued against Apple's practice of forcing all transactions through its App Store payment system, which typically incurs a commission of up to 30 percent.
Judge's Findings on Monopoly Claims

While the ruling mandates changes to Apple's App Store policies, the judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, found that Epic Games failed to prove its claim of an illegal monopoly by Apple. The judge acknowledged Apple's substantial market share, exceeding 55 percent, and its high profit margins, but stated that "Success is not illegal." This finding provided a partial victory for Apple, as it means the company is not legally classified as a monopolist in this context.
Violation of California Unfair Competition Laws

Despite dismissing the broader monopoly claim, the judge did rule that Apple's practices violated California's laws against unfair competition. The legal clash centered on Apple's authority to set rules, control payment systems, and remove non-compliant apps from its marketplace. Apple had previously removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced an update designed to bypass Apple's revenue-sharing model.
Broader Regulatory Landscape for App Stores

This judicial decision arrives amidst a growing global scrutiny of major tech platforms. Prior to this ruling, Apple had already begun to make concessions regarding its App Store policies, including an agreement with Japanese regulators. Furthermore, South Korea had enacted legislation prohibiting both Apple and Google from forcing app developers to use their respective payment systems, indicating a wider trend towards regulating these digital marketplaces.

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What specific App Store rule is Apple now permanently barred from enforcing?

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