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Apple App Store antitrust disputes

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-21 22:52 UTC → 2026-08-24 21:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~Apple also cited a separate, stayed securities-fraud case involving the City of Coral Springs Police Officers Pension Plan as a precedent for pausing the Epic lawsuit.~~ 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. ~~Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accused Apple of undermining relations with Brazil, following~~ Following a decision by Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, to allow app downloads outside the App Store by the end of ~~2025.~~ 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.’

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