Apple Drops 30% Fee on External Links

It's another day ending in 'y', which means another chapter in the ongoing Epic vs Apple saga that many thought had concluded long ago. Now, it appears that Apple, the maker of iOS and the iPhone, may be compelled to eliminate its controversial 30% commission on transactions made through links to alternative payment systems outside the App Store.

What does this mean for consumers? Essentially, Apple is emerging as the clear loser in the initial Epic vs Apple lawsuit, which began when Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, enabled direct in-app purchases for Fortnite, bypassing Apple's payment system and offering a significant discount to players.

Previously, Apple was required to remove fees and restrictions on external linking within the European Union, but the rulings in the US had been more favorable towards them. However, recent developments mean that Apple can no longer do the following: impose fees on purchases made outside of apps, restrict developers' placement or formatting of links, limit the use of 'calls to action' such as banners indicating potential savings, exclude certain apps or developers, interfere with consumer choice through 'scare screens', and must now employ 'neutral messaging' to inform users they are navigating to a third-party site.

In summary, while Epic may have lost some battles, it seems they've won the war. Apple is planning to appeal the decision, but it's doubtful they'll sway the judges who made these rulings.

With the Epic Games Store for mobile now established on Android and iOS in the EU, and on Android in the US, it may not be long before the iOS App Store's significance diminishes.

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