The Epic Games versus Apple legal battle over App Store fees has escalated to the Supreme Court again after the Ninth Circuit denied a rehearing request in March 2026. Apple continues fighting a December 2025 decision aimed at reducing its controversial 27% fee on app-related purchases made outside the App Store, arguing the policy would harm its business model and return on substantial investments made in iOS and the App Store ecosystem.

This dispute stems from 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store for bypassing in-app purchases. A 2021 anti-steering injunction later forced Apple to allow developers to inform users about external payment options, though Apple maintained its fee structure. The case has evolved through multiple court rulings, with Apple attempting to preserve its commission while Epic advocates for what it calls an end to "junk fees" charged to developers who choose external payment methods.

The legal battle centers on Apple's control over app transactions and whether the company can charge commissions on purchases made through external links. Epic Games accuses Apple of using delay tactics to avoid permanent restrictions on its fee structure, while Apple maintains its fees compensate for investments in iOS and the App Store. The Supreme Court's upcoming ruling will directly impact how app marketplaces operate across the digital economy, potentially setting precedent for other tech giants' commission structures.