The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Apple’s emergency request to pause a court order mandating it to ease App Store restrictions. This decision allows the new compliance rules to take effect without delay. The court rejected Apple’s motion to halt enforcement, permitting the district court’s ruling to stand while the company continues to appeal. The ruling followed a previous finding that Apple had violated an injunction by imposing a 27% fee on out-of-app transactions and restricting developers’ ability to direct users to external payment options. Apple had expressed concerns that the ruling would limit its control over core business operations, but the appeals court upheld the district court’s decision, leaving the revised compliance requirements in place pending further legal action.
Apple’s emergency request to pause a court order requiring it to ease App Store restrictions was rejected by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, allowing new compliance rules to take effect immediately. The 9th Circuit’s decision, which was announced on June 5, means that the restrictions on the App Store will continue to be enforced as per the earlier ruling of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. In her ruling, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt for effectively evading an injunction that required the company to allow developers more flexibility in handling payments outside the platform.
Apple had sought a temporary stay of the district court’s order, arguing that it would prevent the company from enforcing the new compliance requirements until the appeal process concludes. However, the appeals court rejected this request, stating that the enforcement of the compliance rules should continue while the case is under review. This decision allows the revised rules to take effect immediately, impacting developers and users across the platform. The court’s ruling highlights the growing pressure on Apple to comply with antitrust regulations and make its App Store more open and transparent for developers.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple expressed its disappointment with the court’s decision, emphasizing its belief that the district court’s ruling was misguided. The company stated its commitment to ensuring the App Store remains an opportunity for developers and a safe experience for users. Despite the ruling, Apple has not indicated any intention to withdraw its appeal, signaling its determination to challenge the court’s decision on the grounds of its impact on business operations.
The ruling has raised concerns about the potential financial implications for Apple, particularly as it faces increased scrutiny over its App Store practices. Analysts suggest that the enforcement of the new compliance rules could lead to changes in the platform’s revenue model, affecting both Apple and developers. As the legal battle continues, the outcome of this case will have significant implications for the tech industry, especially for companies operating within Apple’s ecosystem.