Apple Implements Controversial App Store Commission Policy Amid Legal Disputes

Apple, facing legal challenges, has enacted a policy requiring a 27 percent commission on external app purchases, a move criticized by developers and antitrust experts.

This follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision not to hear an appeal of an antitrust ruling from a dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the creators of "Fortnite." The new policy, mirroring actions in the Netherlands and South Korea due to legal pressures, has been labeled 'outrageous' by critics, including Epic's CEO, who vows to contest it in court.

Apple maintains that the policy is compliant with legal rulings, allowing it to collect commissions outside its App Store.

This development comes as Apple faces a U.S. Justice Department investigation and international scrutiny over its App Store practices, including the european union's Digital Markets Act, which could demand further changes to Apple's business model.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between app developers, regulators, and tech giants monopoly, over market control and consumer rights.