Apple has formally proposed a new fee structure that would allow the technology giant to collect commissions ranging from 5 to 15 percent on purchases made through external links, marking a fresh development in the company’s ongoing battle over App Store policies. The filing, submitted as part of the prolonged legal confrontation with Fortnite developer Epic Games, outlines tiered fees for developers directing users to web-based payment systems instead of utilizing Apple’s proprietary in-app processing framework.
Under the newly outlined framework, standard apps would face a 15 percent commission on external purchases, according to iPhone in Canada. Meanwhile, developers enrolled in Apple’s Small Business Program would benefit from a reduced rate of 5 percent. Separate partner tiers, including the Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, and Mini Apps Partner Program, would incur a 10 percent fee that also applies to subscription renewals.
Legal Origins and the Ninth Circuit Ruling
The fee proposal directly follows a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which determined that Apple should be permitted to collect a commission tied strictly to the “necessary costs” associated with facilitating external purchases. Interestingly, Apple explicitly acknowledges in its court filing that those necessary costs amount to essentially zero. Despite this admission, the company argues that the proposed commission structure remains necessary to compensate for the broader tools, technologies, and services it makes available to application creators.
Furthermore, Apple cites expert analysis claiming the proposed rates would still allow many U.S. developers—specifically those responsible for the lion’s share of App Store revenue—to profitably direct customers toward external payment options. The legal framework itself stems from an April 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found that Apple had willfully failed to comply with an original 2021 injunction requiring the company to lift restrictions on alternative payment methods.
The Response from Epic Games
Unsurprisingly, Epic Games has strongly condemned the tech giant’s latest maneuver. Highlighting Apple’s own admission that the necessary costs for processing web purchases are effectively zero, representatives for the Fortnite creator argue that the proposed 5 to 15 percent cuts fall far outside the legal bounds established by the appellate court.
Apple’s filing is in, and Apple admitted that under the Ninth Circuit’s definition of “necessary costs” they would charge 0% for purchases made via linkouts to the web. Apple proposed linkout fees of 15% for standard apps and 5% for Small Business Program apps. Epic believes… — Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 13, 2026
According to iPhone in Canada, Epic Games stated it has approximately 60 days to formally oppose Apple’s proposal by presenting testimony from expert witnesses. The disagreement underscores a fundamental clash over whether web linkouts will truly offer a competitive alternative or merely substitute one mandatory App Store levy for another.
What Lies Ahead in the Courts
The legal battle is far from over, as the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments concerning whether Apple willfully violated the 2021 injunction. For software developers and industry observers alike, the ultimate judicial outcome will dictate whether external payment routing serves as a viable commercial avenue or remains cost-prohibitive.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this developing antitrust dispute in the comments below.
