Apple is currently mired in a critical legal battle with Epic Games concerning the App Store's fee structure and linking rules, a situation that could heavily influence how developers interact with the platform. As the company braces for Supreme Court involvement, Apple is also implementing App Store updates that reflect shifting regulatory expectations and enhance user safety.
Epic Games and the Contempt Ruling
One of the most significant legal challenges is the ongoing lawsuit initiated by Epic Games back in 2020 after it circumvented Apple's In-App Purchase system within its Fortnite app. This move led to Apple's removal of Fortnite from the App Store and a subsequent legal dispute that has reached multiple court levels. The focal point of current proceedings centers on whether Apple can charge fees for external links that direct users to alternative payment methods, a question that could reshape the App Store landscape for countless developers.
Apple's petition to the Supreme Court seeks to challenge the Ninth Circuit's ruling, which found Apple in contempt of a prior order allowing developers to use external payment links. Apple argues that the original injunction did not explicitly prevent charging fees, claiming that the Ninth Circuit's interpretation—favoring the 'spirit' of the injunction—creates potential instability in legal standards.
Key Arguments:
- Violation of Contempt Standards: Apple asserts that it should only be held in contempt when a court order is unequivocally violated. The ambiguity surrounding fee structures complicates this legally.
- Scope of Injunction: Apple contends that the injunction extends beyond Epic to affect all developers on the App Store, raising concerns about overreach and unintended consequences for entities uninvolved in the original case.
App Store Policy Updates
Alongside these legal maneuvers, Apple is also making policy adjustments within the App Store ecosystem, notably regarding age ratings. Beginning June 18, 2026, Apple will alter app classifications in Australia and Vietnam to comply with new regulations aiming to enhance online safety for minors. This change includes removing the 15+ age rating in Australia and introducing age-specific ratings in Vietnam that will help restrict access to certain content.
Details of the Updates:
- Australia: All apps currently rated 15+ will see their classification moved to 16+.
- Vietnam: Apps will follow a new rating system based on user feedback in App Store Connect, categorizing apps as suitable for various age groups.
Fraud Prevention and App Store Security Measures
To bolster trust and safety within the App Store, Apple has revealed extensive steps taken to combat fraud and ensure app integrity. In 2025, Apple’s App Review team reviewed over 9 million app submissions, rejecting more than 2 million for guideline violations. Notably, Apple employed both human expertise and machine learning tools to refine its app vetting process, enhancing both speed and accuracy in detecting malicious apps.
Key Security Statistics:
- Fraudulent Transactions: Over $2.2 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions were prevented.
- Developer Accountability: Apple terminated 193,000 developer accounts, underscoring its proactive stance on fraud prevention.
- App Security: Continued improvements led to the identification and blocking of close to 195 million fraudulent ratings and reviews, aimed at maintaining a trustworthy app ecosystem.