Apple urges court to suspend ruling that bars it from taking a cut on external app payments

Core Viewpoint - Apple is attempting to delay a court ruling that mandates the company to allow iOS app developers in the U.S. to redirect users to external payment systems, which would enable developers to avoid paying commissions to Apple [1][4]. Group 1: Court Ruling and Compliance - A U.S. court ruled in favor of Epic Games, stating that Apple did not comply with a previous order from 2021 [2]. - The new ruling requires Apple to permit apps on its U.S. App Store to include features that redirect users to external payment systems and to stop collecting commissions on those payments [3][4]. - Apple claims it has complied with the 2021 injunction by allowing developers to link to non-Apple payment systems, although it charged a 27% cut on those transactions [5]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Apple argues that the new restrictions will lead to significant annual losses, stating that these measures are punitive and based on conduct that has not been deemed unlawful [7]. - The company emphasizes that the restrictions will cause "grave irreparable harm" to its business if not stayed [8]. Group 3: Developer Actions - Companies like Spotify and Amazon have already updated their apps to redirect users to their own websites for payments, indicating a shift in the app ecosystem [8].