A US judge has dealt a potential blow to Apple’s App Store fees, ruling that the company violated an injunction in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The decision, made on Wednesday, said Apple must inform users about purchase options outside the app store and failed to do so.
The ruling is a win for Patreon and other creators across the subscription creator economy, who cheered it as a shift towards a more equitable digital marketplace. “This is a huge moment for creators and their businesses,” said a Patreon spokesperson. “The iOS app is the No. 1 platform for fan engagement on Patreon, and we believe this ruling allows creators to get paid without giving Apple 30%.”
Patreon, Passes, Kajabi, and Mighty Networks are among apps that will benefit from the changes. If more subscriptions are transacted outside Apple’s ecosystem, it could mean more money for creators and platforms alike. Patreon is already submitting an app update to enable payment options outside of in-app purchases.
The ruling threatens Apple’s App Store revenue, which accounted for $26.6 billion in net sales last quarter. However, the decision points to a shift towards creator ownership, with Kajabi CEO Ahad Khan saying, “This ruling is another proof point of this shift toward a more equitable digital marketplace for creators.”
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-app-store-legal-setback-big-win-creator-economy-2025-5