In a landmark decision with major implications for crypto apps, a U.S. district judge has ruled that Apple breached a 2021 court order by continuing to restrict how developers direct users to external payment options — a move seen as a significant win for the crypto sector.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers determined that Apple had “willfully violated” an injunction designed to prevent the tech giant from engaging in anticompetitive behavior and unfair pricing practices. “Apple’s ongoing obstruction of fair competition is unacceptable,” she stated in the April 30 filing.
Immediate Change Required
According to the ruling, Apple is now obligated to stop blocking developers from guiding users toward purchases made outside of its app ecosystem. Furthermore, the company is barred from applying any new commissions or fees on such external transactions.
“This isn’t up for discussion — it’s a court order,” Judge Rogers emphasized, stressing that Apple cannot delay or negotiate its compliance. The changes are to take effect right away.
Apple is now prohibited from charging fees on off-app purchases and is no longer allowed to demand reports or tracking of consumer activity outside its platform. Developers also retain full control over how they present links to external sites, without interference or limitations based on app type.
Crypto Community Reacts
Following the court’s decision, developers noted a quiet but significant update in Apple’s guidelines. While the changes are clear, some highlighted the language used as subtly resistant. Ariel Michaeli, CEO of Appfigures, remarked that the tone might come off as “passive-aggressive” to some developers.
Michaeli explained that the update allows apps to include links to NFT collections, external payment portals, and non-App Store destinations — all without needing special entitlements.
Crypto figures were quick to express enthusiasm. Commentator “Xero” called the development “hugely bullish” for mobile crypto games and applications, while tech entrepreneur Alex Masmej described it as a “massive step forward” for the space.
Epic Games Back in Play
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded to the decision by announcing plans to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store. He also offered a broader truce: if Apple applies the court-ordered framework globally, Epic would withdraw all existing and future legal actions related to the issue.
This decision comes months after the Supreme Court declined to fast-track a separate appeal requested by Epic, offering no explanation for its refusal.
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