A U.S. appeals panel has rejected Apple’s request to pause a ruling that restricts the tech giant from charging commissions on in-app purchases made outside its payment system—delivering a major blow to the company in its long-running legal fight with Epic Games.

Apple suffered a legal setback late Thursday as a three-judge panel denied its request to delay the enforcement of a court order that bans the company from collecting commissions on in-app purchases processed outside its App Store payment system.

The ruling, stemming from a years-long antitrust battle with Epic Games, could redirect billions in potential revenue away from Apple. The April 30 order, issued by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers, not only limited Apple’s commissions but also found the company in civil contempt and recommended a criminal probe into potential perjury by one of its executives.

The ongoing case, launched nearly five years ago by Fortnite creator Epic Games, accuses Apple of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over iPhone app distribution and in-app transactions. Epic challenged Apple’s practice of charging developers 15% to 30% commission and restricting them from directing users to other payment methods.

Although Apple initially complied with previous rulings by allowing limited links to external payment systems, it continued imposing fees of up to 27%—prompting Epic to argue the company had violated the court’s original order. Judge Gonzalez-Rogers sided with Epic in her most recent decision, triggering Apple’s attempt to pause enforcement while appealing to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

With that request now denied, the court’s directive remains in effect, forcing Apple to open the App Store to alternative in-app payment options without charging commissions on those transactions.

In response to the ruling, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney declared, “The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended,” in a celebratory post.

Apple expressed disappointment in the outcome, stating it would continue to pursue its appeal to “ensure the App Store remains an incredible opportunity for developers and a safe and trusted experience for our users.”

This development marks another chapter in the high-profile antitrust showdown that has tested the boundaries of Big Tech power and could have lasting consequences for digital commerce on mobile platforms.

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