The US Supreme Court refused to grant Apple temporary relief in its long-running legal fight with Epic Games, a move that pushes the iPhone maker back into a lower court battle over its App Store practices.

Justice Elena Kagan issued the brief order on behalf of the court. She declined Apple’s request to pause a ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. That ruling had found Apple in contempt for failing to comply with earlier court orders in the Epic Games case, reported Reuters.

The decision means Apple must return to US district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California. The judge will now decide what commission Apple can legally charge developers for certain app transactions.

Why did US Supreme Court refuse Apple’s request?

Apple had asked the Supreme Court to step in so it could avoid returning to the trial court while it continued its appeal. The company argued that the lower court’s decision could reshape how millions of app purchases work.

“Regulators around the world are watching this case,” Apple said in its filing. The company added that the outcome could influence what fees it can charge in global markets.

The Supreme Court did not agree to pause the order. The rejection does not settle the full case, but it clears the way for further proceedings in the lower court.

The dispute between Apple and Epic Games began in 2020. Epic challenged Apple’s control over app distribution and payments on its iOS system. The fight centers on whether Apple forces developers to use its payment system and pay high commissions, reported Reuters.

What is core dispute over App Store fees?

In 2021, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to allow developers to include links in their apps that direct users to other payment options outside the App Store. This rule aimed to reduce Apple’s control over in-app purchases.

Apple allowed such links but imposed new rules. It charged a 27% commission on purchases made outside the App Store if users clicked a link and completed the transaction within seven days. Apple already charges up to 30% for purchases made inside its App Store.

Epic Games said that this move violated the court’s order. “Apple should not be allowed to sidestep the injunction,” Epic said. It added that Apple continues to profit unfairly at the expense of developers and consumers, reported Reuters.

In 2025, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in civil contempt for failing to comply with the injunction. The appeals court later upheld that finding but allowed Apple to argue over what commission level should be permitted.

However, Apple has denied wrongdoing. It said the injunction should not apply broadly to millions of developers beyond Epic Games.