# Apple App Store antitrust disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/apple-app-store-antitrust-disputes > Updated: 2026-08-23T18:38:57.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 8. In late June 2026, Apple faced antitrust pressure on two fronts. A group of 48 Chinese iOS developers filed a complaint with the State Administration for Market Regulation, arguing that even after Apple cut its App Store commission to 25% (as low as 12% for small businesses), the fees remain excessive and violate a pledge to offer the lowest rates in China. The developers urged authorities to allow alternative app stores, suggesting competition could push fees toward 5%. Simultaneously, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear Apple’s appeal of a civil-contempt ruling in the Epic Games dispute. The contempt finding stemmed from a 2021 injunction requiring Apple to allow apps to link to external payment options; Apple permitted the links but maintained a 12–27% commission, which a district judge ordered stopped. The Supreme Court will review only the contempt issue, with arguments slated for its October term and a decision expected by mid-2027. In July 2026, Apple made a third request to lower courts to suspend the Epic Games litigation while the Supreme Court considers the appeal, arguing a pending ruling could render proceedings moot. Epic Games objected, calling it a stalling tactic. In August 2026, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected Apple’s request to pause the Epic Games proceedings, ordering Apple to submit its proposed fee structure and supporting evidence within 24 hours. Following a decision by Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, to allow app downloads outside the App Store by the end of 2025, Epic Games filed formal complaints with CADE in late August 2026. Epic accuses Apple of using technical and structural barriers to circumvent the settlement, specifically citing the exclusion of iPadOS, a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital goods, a complex nine-step installation process, and the use of warning messages described as ‘scare sheets.’ ## Claims - Epic Games filed a complaint with Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, accusing Apple of sidestepping an antitrust settlement. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Epic Games claims Apple is excluding iPadOS from the antitrust agreement that covers iOS devices. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Epic Games argues that Apple’s nine-step installation process for external apps in Brazil is more restrictive than the six-step process used in Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Epic Games objects to Apple’s 5% Core Technology Commission on digital goods sold through alternative app stores. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Epic Games claims Apple’s reporting requirements for alternative distributors provide excessive visibility into competitors' business models. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Epic Games characterizes Apple’s installation warnings as ‘scare sheets’ designed to discourage third-party app use. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Epic Games accuses Apple of blocking alternative app stores in Brazil Epic Games has petitioned Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, alleging that Apple is using technical barriers and complex procedures to block alternative app stores on its operating systems. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/epic-games-accuses-apple-of-blocking-alternative-app-stores-in-brazil ### 2026-08-21: Epic Games accuses Apple of bypassing Brazil antitrust deal Epic Games has accused Apple of bypassing an antitrust agreement in Brazil by implementing restrictive technical barriers and excluding iPadOS from app distribution concessions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/epic-games-accuses-apple-of-bypassing-brazil-antitrust-deal ### 2026-08-11: Apple and Epic Games legal battle expands to U.S. courts and Brazil A U.S. judge denied Apple’s request to pause App Store fee proceedings in its legal battle with Epic Games, while Epic CEO Tim Sweeney accused the company of impacting U.S.-Brazil relations. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-and-epic-games-legal-battle-expands-to-us-courts-and-brazil ### 2026-07-18: Apple cites securities fraud case to pause Epic Games lawsuit Apple seeks to delay the Epic Games lawsuit by citing a paused securities fraud case alleging investor misdirection, as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews its App Store commission rules. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-cites-securities-fraud-case-to-pause-epic-games-lawsuit ### 2026-07-13: Apple seeks to pause Epic Games App Store commission case as Supreme Court review looms Apple asked lower courts to pause the Epic Games App Store commission lawsuit while the Supreme Court reviews the case; Epic opposes, calling it a delay tactic. The case concerns Apple’s 27% fee after a 2021 ed 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-seeks-to-pause-epic-games-app-store-commission-case-as-supreme-court-review-looms ### 2026-07-03: US Supreme Court Accepts Apple Appeal in Epic Games App Store Fee Dispute The US Supreme Court will hear Apple’s appeal in its dispute with Epic Games over App Store fees and external payment link rules, a case that could reshape the global app market. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-supreme-court-accepts-apple-appeal-in-epic-games-app-store-fee-dispute ### 2026-06-30: Apple's Supreme Court Appeal Over Epic Games App Store Fees The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Apple’s appeal of a contempt ruling over its App Store external‑payment fees, a decision that could reshape global app‑store commissions. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apples-supreme-court-appeal-over-epic-games-app-store-contempt-ruling ### 2026-06-23: Apple hit with antitrust complaint by Chinese developers over App Store fees 48 Chinese iOS developers filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, claiming its App Store fees are unfair and demanding lower commissions and alternative app stores. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-faces-antitrust-complaint-from-chinese-developers-over-app-store-fees --- Cite as: Apple App Store antitrust disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/apple-app-store-antitrust-disputes