Apple has changed its App Store rules in the United States, allowing developers to direct users to other platforms for payments.
This move comes just days after a US judge warned the company about breaking a court order.
The new rule means app makers like Spotify can now show prices and add links to their own payment websites, instead of using Apple’s system which charges a 15–30% fee.
Spotify, one of Apple’s biggest critics, quickly updated its app following the announcement. In a post on X, Spotify said, “In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s US app update.”
“This is a big step for developers and entrepreneurs who want a fair chance to compete,” the company added.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, also praised Spotify’s move. He wrote, “Congrats to Spotify for being the first major iOS app to use its court-mandated right to do business directly with customers, free of Apple’s interference and ‘Apple Tax’!”
The case began in 2021 when Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, sued Apple for controlling the App Store too tightly. Though the judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, ruled Apple was not a monopoly, she ordered the tech giant to let developers link users to outside payment options.
Recently, the judge said Apple had not followed that order properly. She accused the company of creating new obstacles and even misleading the court. She said Apple acted “willfully” and called for stronger enforcement of the order.
Apple disagreed with the judge’s decision and plans to appeal, but said it would follow the current ruling for now.
Epic Games’ boss Tim Sweeney also commented, “Apple’s 15–30% junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act.”
That European law, which took effect in 2024, forces tech giants like Apple to open up their platforms to fair competition.
Apple, which earns a lot from its App Store and other services like iCloud, music, and video, is now trying to rebuild its relationship with developers. The company is expected to talk more about this at its developers’ conference in June.
Tech analyst Carolina Milanesi said, “Apple realised it’s not worth looking like it’s against developers. But the App Store will still bring in a lot of money through subscriptions and ads.”
She added that the App Store remains the best option for smaller developers who can’t afford their own payment systems like big companies such as Epic or Spotify.
With the rule change now in effect, many developers are expected to update their apps to avoid Apple’s fees and connect directly with customers.
