The US Supreme Court has declined to block a recent ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals that found Apple in contempt for its handling of an antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the developer of “Fortnite”. This decision came as part of a broader dispute between Apple and Epic over App Store fees.
Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court, rejected Apple’s request to delay the 9th Circuit ruling. The company had sought this delay in order to file a full Supreme Court appeal.
The contempt ruling is the latest development in an ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games, which has been centered around rules governing Apple’s App Store. In 2021, Apple was required by a court injunction to allow developers to include links directing users to non-Apple payment methods within their apps.
However, Apple implemented new restrictions on these links, including a 27% commission for transactions made outside the App Store within seven days of clicking a link. This rate is lower than the 30% commission charged for purchases made through the App Store itself.
Epic Games argued that this new commission violated an earlier injunction and contended that Apple should not be allowed to sidestep the judge’s original ruling, which would allow it to continue profiting at the expense of consumers and developers.