The long-running legal battle between Apple and Epic Games has entered a new phase. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has granted the joint request to delay key deadlines in the proceedings over App Store commissions. The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court's agreement to hear Apple's appeal regarding a contempt ruling.
Supreme Court Takes Up Apple's Appeal Over Injunction Compliance
Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to review Apple's case, focusing on whether the company violated the spirit of an injunction that did not explicitly ban commissions on external link purchases. Apple argues the injunction was not specific, while Epic claims willful disregard. The Court will define the injunction's boundaries, potentially reshaping app market rules. This antitrust scrutiny mirrors other tech cases, such as Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro performance gap.
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New Schedule Set by Judge Rogers for Stay Decision
Judge Rogers approved the proposed timeline: Apple must file its motion to stay proceedings by today, July 6. Epic must respond by July 10, and Apple's reply is due July 13. If the stay is denied, Apple must submit its external-link commission proposal within 24 hours. If granted, the lower court case pauses until the Supreme Court rules. The tight schedule underscores the need to clarify rules for developers awaiting a definitive verdict.
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Impact on App Store Commissions and Digital Market Regulation
A Supreme Court ruling in Apple's favor could end the case without major commission changes, but Judge Rogers must still determine allowable rates for external purchases. The outcome may affect other digital stores. For a parallel in media consolidation, see Sky's acquisition of ITV. Developers and regulators worldwide are watching closely: the decision could redefine app store economics.
