Apple proposes 15 percent commission to settle Epic Games lawsuit

Apple filed a motion in federal court on Monday that it is open to settlement talks with Epic Games, while also proposing a new commission structure for purchases made outside its App Store in the United States. The filing comes as the long‑running lawsuit between the two tech giants continues to dominate the legal calendar.

The dispute began in 2020 when Epic released a new in‑game payment system that bypassed Apple’s 30 % commission. Apple responded by removing the game from the App Store, sparking a lawsuit that accused Apple of monopolistic practices. The case has highlighted the power of the App Store’s revenue‑sharing model and the broader debate over digital marketplaces. Epic has argued that the fee is excessive and that the platform stifles competition, while Apple maintains that the fee funds a secure, developer‑friendly ecosystem.

In its motion, Apple outlines a commission framework that would lower the cut for sales outside the App Store’s in‑app purchase system. The proposal could reduce the fee to 15 % for certain transactions, mirroring the lower rate Apple offers for developer‑direct sales. Apple’s attorneys argue that the new structure would keep the App Store’s infrastructure intact while addressing some of Epic’s concerns. The company also says it is willing to negotiate a settlement that could end the litigation and restore the game to the App Store. Epic’s legal team has not yet responded to the filing.

The next court hearing is scheduled for early next month, where both sides will present their arguments on the proposed commission model and settlement offer. If Apple’s proposal is accepted, it could signal a shift in the App Store’s revenue model and potentially ease pressure from other developers seeking lower fees. The outcome will also affect the broader app economy, as developers and users alike watch how the two largest players resolve a battle that has reshaped the digital marketplace.