U.S. Justice Department urges Supreme Court to overturn Apple contempt ruling

The U.S. Justice Department, joined by several trade and consumer groups, filed a brief with the Supreme Court on Tuesday urging the justices to overturn at least part of the contempt ruling against Apple in the Epic Games case. The brief asks the Court to reverse the lower‑court order that forced Apple to allow Epic to direct iPhone users to alternative payment methods, a decision the government says oversteps the limits of the original antitrust verdict. The request comes as the Court prepares to hear arguments on the broader dispute later this year.

The contempt order stems from a 2021 trial in which a federal judge found Apple had violated antitrust law by monopolizing iOS app distribution and requiring a 30 percent commission on in‑app purchases. While the judge ordered Apple to stop barring developers from linking to other payment systems, Apple appealed and continued to enforce its App Store rules, prompting the contempt finding in 2023. The government’s brief argues that the contempt sanction was not grounded in the original remedy and threatens to destabilize the App Store’s contractual framework.

Industry groups supporting the brief, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Consumer Technology Association, say the ruling creates legal uncertainty that could harm both developers and consumers. They point to the billions of dollars in revenue generated by the App Store and the potential for fragmented payment experiences if Apple is forced to accommodate competing payment links. Apple, for its part, maintains that its ecosystem security and user experience depend on a closed payment system, and it has pledged to defend the contempt order on appeal.

If the Supreme Court grants the government’s request, Apple may be required to modify its App Store policies, allowing developers to offer external payment options while still retaining control over app distribution. The case could set a precedent for how antitrust remedies are enforced against tech platforms. A decision is expected by the end of the term, and the outcome will shape the future of digital marketplaces and the balance of power between large app stores and independent developers.