Federal judge denies Apple’s delay request in Epic Games antitrust case

A federal judge in San Francisco rejected Apple’s request to pause the App Store fee case in the Epic Games lawsuit, keeping the dispute on schedule. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said the company could not delay proceedings while the Supreme Court considers a separate contempt ruling against Apple. The decision was announced on Tuesday, after Apple filed a motion to stay the case.

The case centers on Epic Games’ claim that Apple’s 30 % commission on in‑app purchases is monopolistic. Epic introduced a new payment method in its Fortnite app that bypassed Apple’s system, prompting the company to sue in 2020. Apple countersued for copyright infringement, and the court has been hearing arguments about whether the App Store’s fee structure violates antitrust laws. The dispute is part of a broader fight over digital marketplaces and developer rights.

Judge Rogers said Apple’s motion to stay was premature. She noted that the Supreme Court’s review of the contempt order is separate from the fee case, and that delaying the hearing would harm developers who rely on the App Store for revenue. The ruling allows the case to proceed to the next stage, which will involve expert testimony and a deeper look at the economics of the App Store. Apple’s lawyers are expected to file an appeal, but the court has said the appeal will not halt the current proceedings.

The next step is a possible appeal by Apple, which could bring the case back to the Supreme Court. The court has not yet set a date for the contempt review. In the meantime, developers may face continued uncertainty about fees and payment options. The outcome could reshape how apps are sold on iOS and influence similar disputes with Google’s Play Store.