Apple Seeks Stay of Judgment to Prevent iPhone Distribution Disruptions

Apple is facing multiple legal challenges regarding its App Store policies and distribution agreements, with recent developments in both France and the United States centering on the company’s control over payment systems and contractual clauses.

In France, the Paris Court of Appeal has refused to suspend a ruling against Apple concerning specific contractual clauses. This decision follows Apple’s request to pause the judgment during the appeal process, a move the company made to avoid disruptions in the distribution of the iPhone.

The French legal matter involves major telecommunications providers, including Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile, regarding the terms of their contracts with the tech giant.

U.S. Legal Battles Over App Store Commissions

Parallel to the developments in France, Apple is engaged in a prolonged legal conflict in the United States with Epic Games over App Store fees and the ability of developers to use external payment systems.

On April 6, 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court granted a motion by Apple to pause a previous ruling that had limited the company’s ability to charge commissions on external payments. This stay allows Apple to delay the implementation of the mandate while it petitions the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision.

The dispute began in 2020 when Epic Games implemented external payment options within its app to bypass Apple’s standard commission fees. While a 2021 court ruling determined that Apple did not operate as a monopoly, the judge required Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options.

Following that ruling, Apple introduced a 27% commission for developers using their own payment systems, a slight reduction from the standard 30% fee. Epic Games and other developers argued this fee violated the court’s intent, as payment processing costs meant developers were not actually saving money.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California subsequently found Apple in contempt for these practices, a decision that was upheld by the U.S. Appeals court before the current stay was granted on April 6, 2026.

Apple’s effort to stay this Court’s mandate is about nothing other than delay.

Epic Games Newsroom

Broader Antitrust Context

These specific disputes over commissions and distribution are part of a wider regulatory environment targeting Apple’s ecosystem. The U.S. Department of Justice, along with 16 state and district attorneys general, has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple.

The Justice Department alleges that Apple has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by monopolizing or attempting to monopolize smartphone markets. The federal government claims Apple uses its monopoly power to prevent customers from switching phones and to stifle competitors.

Apple’s competitors have also seen different outcomes in similar legal battles. Google recently settled a similar case with Epic Games, resulting in the company dropping its Play Store commissions to 20%.

Current Status of Appeals

Apple is currently utilizing the legal process to maintain its existing revenue streams from the App Store. In the U.S., the company is seeking a review from the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling that bars it from taking a cut of external purchases.

In France, the refusal of the Paris Court of Appeal to suspend the condemnation regarding contractual clauses means Apple must navigate the legal fallout while continuing iPhone distribution through carriers like Orange, and SFR.