Apple and Epic Games Dispute Document Production in App Store Commission Case

Ongoing Legal Battle Over App Store Commissions

Apple and Epic Games are engaged in a legal dispute regarding Apple's proposed commission structure for purchases made through external App Store links. This follows a court order requiring Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods. Apple introduced a 27% fee in 2024, which was later reduced to a proposed 5-15% range in August.

Document Production Dispute

The latest development involves a disagreement over the production of internal documents. Epic Games claims Apple has significantly delayed providing documents that explain how it determined its proposed 5% to 15% commission rates. These documents are crucial for Epic to evaluate Apple's fees before responding to the court.

Conflicting Accounts of Delays

In a joint status update, Epic stated that Apple has produced "scarcely any documents" nearly two months past its deadline, suggesting deliberate delay. Apple, however, disputes these accusations, asserting it has met its initial obligations for document production and attributes any delays to Epic.

Context of the Commission Structure

Apple's proposed commission structure ranges from 5% to 15% for purchases made via external App Store links. This is a reduction from the 27% fee previously introduced. The legal proceedings are examining whether Apple can impose commissions on these external link purchases and, if so, at what rate. This is separate from Apple's attempt to overturn a contempt ruling at the Supreme Court regarding its initial 27% fee.