Apple appeals injunction that would loosen App Store payment restrictions

Apple is appealing an injunction that would allow developers to add links to third-party payment options on the App Store.

The injunction was the result of the Epic v. Apple lawsuit and was issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers in a bid to increase competition and transparency on the mobile marketplace.

As reported earlier this year, the injunction specifically restrains Apple from "prohibiting developers from including in their apps and their metadata buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to In-App Purchasing and (ii) communicating with customers through points of contact obtained voluntarily from customers through account registration within the app."

According to CNBC, Apple has asked for a stay on the injunction while its appeal works through the courts, meaning it wouldn't have to alter its policies until that process -- which could take years -- has concluded.

Apple claims the injunction and subsequent policy changes would place App Store users at risk, and suggested a stay would allow it to keep protecting consumers until the matter is settled.

"The requested stay will allow Apple to protect consumers and safeguard its platform while the company works through the complex and rapidly evolving legal, technological, economic issues that any revisions to this Guideline would implicate," reads a court filing submitted by Apple.

The injunction is due to take effect on December 9, 2021, but Apple has expressed a desire to open a dialogue with Gonzalez-Rogers about how its platform guidelines can be amended without the need for legal intervention.

Epic is also appealing the outcome of the Epic v. Apple lawsuit, and has called on a higher court to reexamine the case.

"Notice is hereby given that Epic Games, Inc., Plaintiff and Counter-Defendant in the above-named case, appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from the final Judgment entered on September 10, 2021," reads a notice of appeal filed in September.

Epic boss Tim Sweeney said the company chose to appeal because the outcome "isn't a win for developers or consumers," and reiterated the need to fight for "fair competition."