In a major policy shake-up that could reshape the future of app monetization, Apple has officially greenlit the use of external payment systems for U.S.-based developers — with zero commission attached. This is more than a change in App Store policy — it’s a landmark moment in the ongoing struggle for platform fairness, and a win for developers who’ve long sought more autonomy over their revenue streams.
Let’s unpack what this means, why it happened, and what comes next.
⚖️ Why Apple Made the Change
Apple’s new stance wasn’t a voluntary act of generosity. The shift comes in the wake of a high-profile legal battle with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The case, which began in 2020, accused Apple of monopolistic behavior by forcing developers to use its in-app payment system — and taking a 15–30% cut of every transaction.
Fast forward to 2025: A U.S. District Court ruled that Apple had violated a previous court order by continuing to restrict external links and charge commissions on non-Apple payments. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers went so far as to say Apple acted “anti-competitively” and may even face further legal consequences, including potential criminal contempt.
Apple had little choice but to comply — at least for now.
💸 What’s Changing for Developers?
Here’s the bottom line: Developers in the U.S. can now integrate links to external payment methods in their apps, with zero commission paid to Apple. That’s a game-changer.
Key Details:
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🔓 Developers must apply for an “External Purchase Link Entitlement” from Apple.
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🌐 Apps can now guide users to third-party websites to complete transactions.
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💳 Apple won’t collect its usual 15–30% cut on these transactions.
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⚖️ Apple still requires developers to offer Apple’s in-app purchase option alongside the external one — a compromise that ensures users have choice.
💼 What This Means for Developers
This is a big deal for anyone building apps that rely on subscriptions, in-app purchases, or digital content sales — think streaming platforms, news apps, online courses, and productivity tools.
More Revenue Retained
Without Apple’s cut, developers can keep more of their earnings — or offer lower prices to users.
More Pricing Flexibility
Developers are free to offer discounts or alternative billing models (like pay-what-you-want or crypto) on their own websites, without needing Apple’s blessing.
More Direct Relationships with Customers
External payments let developers control the user experience end-to-end — no redirects, no restrictions, and no blackout on user data like emails or billing info.
📈 The Bigger Picture
This change doesn’t just impact Apple’s ecosystem — it’s part of a global trend. Regulators around the world, from the European Union to South Korea, are cracking down on Big Tech platforms that dominate digital marketplaces. With this move, Apple is trying to get ahead of potential fines and legal action in other markets.
And yet, Apple has already made it clear: they intend to appeal. So this “win” for developers may still be contested in courtrooms down the road.
🔮 What’s Next?
While the current policy only applies to the U.S. App Store, the ripple effects are already being felt globally. Developers are watching closely. Competitors like Google may soon face similar pressure to open up their ecosystems. And if Apple loses its appeal, we could be looking at a permanent shift in how mobile platforms operate.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to allow external payments without commission is nothing short of a milestone. After years of lobbying, lawsuits, and regulatory scrutiny, developers finally have the freedom to monetize on their own terms — at least in the U.S.
This isn’t just a change in rules. It’s a reminder that no platform — no matter how dominant — is above accountability. For developers, it’s time to innovate, experiment, and take back control of how they earn.
