Apple's attempt to pause court-ordered App Store modifications has been rejected, meaning external purchase links must remain in place as the company's legal battle with Epic Games advances toward the Supreme Court.
The ruling keeps Apple's existing compliance requirements intact while the case continues through the appeals process. Apple had sought to temporarily halt the changes that allow developers to direct users to external payment options, arguing the modifications harm its business model.
The court decision represents another setback for Apple in its ongoing dispute with Epic Games over App Store policies and the 30% commission on in-app purchases. The case has already triggered significant changes to Apple's payment structure and developer agreements.
With the Supreme Court now in the picture, the legal fight enters a critical phase. The outcome could reshape how digital storefronts operate globally and influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions examining app marketplace practices.
Meanwhile, Apple faces separate antitrust scrutiny from regulators worldwide, including the EU's Digital Markets Act and ongoing investigations by global authorities. The App Store remains central to Apple's services revenue strategy, making these legal challenges economically significant for the company.
Disney Plus is considering a free streaming tier that would offer some content at no cost, according to Business Insider. The company's chief product and technology officer mentioned the concept during a Thursday town hall.
Meta is pursuing author Sarah Wynn-Williams for breaking a non-disclosure agreement, but the aggressive legal action is reinforcing perceptions of the company as a bully. Meanwhile, the EU is pressuring Meta to disable auto-play and infinite scroll features or face substantial fines.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the platform won't filter out AI-generated content, but users should be able to control what appears in their feeds. He emphasized transparency over removal.
The European Commission has determined that Facebook and Instagram's design features violate the Digital Services Act, citing their addictive nature as a breach of EU regulations.