Apple seeks approval for external link commissions

Apple has asked a court to approve a new commission approach that would apply when a digital purchase starts from an external link inside an iOS app, even if payment is completed outside Apple’s in-app purchase system, according to a company filing.

The request is part of the continuing legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games, where both sides have filed arguments over how far permissible platform fees can extend. The proposed structure would broaden Apple’s ability to collect commissions beyond its own checkout tools by applying charges to transactions routed away from Apple’s in-app purchase flow.

Apple’s proposed commission rates by app category

In its submission, Apple proposed a 15% commission for standard applications. The filing also sets out a 10% rate for certain partner programs and a 5% rate for developers enrolled in the Small Business Program.

Apple told the court the percentages are intended to reflect what it described as the costs of platform services that help developers reach users through the iOS ecosystem. In Apple’s view, those services retain value even when the final payment step occurs through an external path rather than Apple’s checkout mechanism.

“Necessary costs” argument and the dispute over scope

Apple argued in the filing that commissions are required to recover compensation for tools and technologies it provides to developers. At the same time, Apple acknowledged that its direct costs tied specifically to facilitating external links are effectively zero.

Epic Games

The company’s request follows a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals allowing Apple to charge commissions based on “necessary costs” associated with providing platform services. Apple said its proposed rates match that standard, even though the purchases at issue would not be completed through Apple’s in-app purchase system.

Epic Games’ opposition and the unresolved legal question

Epic Games has formally opposed the proposal. Epic argued that the requested fees exceed what court guidance permits and challenged Apple’s interpretation of what “necessary costs” should include when developers direct users to pay through external links.

The filings underscore a key issue that remains unsettled in the litigation: how far an app platform can extend charges when an app steers users to an alternative payment route, and what qualifies as recoverable costs in that scenario.

What happens next in court

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review whether Apple willfully violated earlier injunctions tied to its compliance with competition mandates. That review is expected to move forward alongside continued proceedings focused on Apple’s proposed fee framework for externally linked transactions.

Additional opposing filings are expected within 60 days. Until a court rules, Apple’s proposed commission levels—and the wider boundaries for what app platforms may charge on externally routed digital purchases—remain contested.