Epic Games won a pivotal round when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed its earlier stay, forcing Apple to resume enforcing a rule that limits the company’s App Store fees.

The decision follows Epic’s argument that Apple’s stay request lacks a strong chance of Supreme Court approval and that the company has failed to prove irreparable harm. The court cited Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 41(d).

Apple had argued that keeping the stay would avoid lower‑court clutter while it seeks higher‑court review, but the Ninth Circuit found those claims weak. Epic’s victory means the regulatory fight over “junk fees” and alternative payment methods will continue in district court.

Tim Sweeney blasted Apple’s tactics as consumer‑harmful, and both sides brace for the next hearing on what fees Apple can actually charge for third‑party payments.