Supreme Court to hear Apple’s appeal in Epic Games antitrust case

Apple’s yearslong legal war with Epic Games is heading to the Supreme Court. The justices agreed to hear Apple’s appeal contesting a contempt finding tied to its App Store policies, a case that could reshape how digital marketplaces operate and whether alternative payment systems, including crypto-based solutions, can gain a foothold on mobile platforms.

How we got here

The saga started back in August 2020, when Epic Games sued Apple over its 30% commission on in-app purchases and its restrictions preventing developers from directing users to external payment options.

A 2021 ruling largely sided with Apple on the core antitrust claims. But it did issue an injunction prohibiting certain “anti-steering provisions,” the rules that blocked developers from telling users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found in April 2025 that Apple had willfully violated the injunction by implementing a 27% commission on external purchases. The Ninth Circuit partially upheld that contempt finding in December 2025, though it modified some of the proposed remedies. Apple then filed its petition for certiorari in May 2026, asking the Supreme Court to review two core issues: the contempt finding itself and the scope of remedies tied to its App Store policies.

Justice Elena Kagan denied Apple’s emergency request to stay the Ninth Circuit’s mandate on May 6, 2026, meaning enforcement proceedings continued even while the petition was pending. Epic Games formally opposed Apple’s petition on June 4, 2026, and Apple filed its response between June 9 and 10.

Why crypto investors should pay attention

Apple’s App Store policies have been one of the biggest barriers to crypto wallet integration and blockchain-based payment systems on iOS devices. The company has historically required all digital goods and services to use its in-app purchase system, effectively blocking or heavily taxing any alternative payment rail, including crypto.

What this means for investors

Governments in the EU, Japan, and South Korea have already moved to limit app store commissions and require alternative payment options. A Supreme Court ruling against Apple would align US policy with this global trend.

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