Apple proposes new App Store fees for external purchases
Apple wants to keep collecting money on purchases made outside the App Store. The Apple Epic App Store fees dispute just entered a new phase. Apple filed a proposal this week in its long-running case against Epic Games. The filing sets commission rates for purchases made through external links instead of Apple’s own payment system.
Under the plan, Apple would take 15 percent from standard apps. Apps in Apple’s Video, News, and Mini Apps Partner Programs would pay 10 percent. Small Business Program apps would pay just 5 percent. Apple also applied the 10 percent rate to subscription renewals.
Why the Apple Epic App Store fees matter now
A California judge ruled last year that Apple willfully ignored a 2021 injunction on App Store rules. That ruling briefly barred Apple from charging any commission on external links. However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stepped in with a different standard. Judges there said Apple can charge fees based on its “necessary costs” of supporting linkouts.
Apple’s own filing admits those necessary costs are close to zero. Still, the company argues it deserves some payment for the tools and infrastructure it built for developers. Epic disagrees sharply. According to The Verge, Epic called Apple’s proposal “far outside of the bounds” of the court’s guidance. Epic has roughly 60 days to file a formal opposition backed by expert witnesses.
The Supreme Court also plans to weigh in separately. Justices will hear arguments on whether Apple willfully violated the original 2025 ruling. That case could reshape how much power Apple keeps over its payment rules long term.
Ford’s Fathom EV moves toward 2027 production
Ford confirmed its next electric vehicle, now named Fathom, will start production in early 2027. The $28,000 EV comes out of a $2 billion overhaul at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant. Workers there have already entered the pre-tooling phase for prototype builds, as The Verge reported. Ford is betting on Fathom to compete in the affordable EV segment, a category still short on strong options.
Rivian adds captain’s chairs to the R1S
Rivian finally answered a years-long request from R1S owners. The company will add second-row captain’s chairs starting with the 2027 model. Families have long complained that the bench seat made loading kids awkward. This change won’t fix everything, but it addresses one of the most requested comfort upgrades.
Screenless wearables gain quiet popularity
Verge writer Victoria Song tested screenless trackers like the Fitbit during a recent vacation. Her experience points to a broader shift toward minimal, low-distraction wearables. Some buyers now prefer a simple screenless fitness tracker (paid link) over a smartwatch loaded with notifications. This “quiet luxury” trend favors devices that track health data without pulling attention to a screen.
Apple Epic App Store: Robot lawnmowers reach a trustworthy tier
Robot lawnmower reviews from The Verge highlight real progress in autonomous yard care. Models from Segway, Mammotion, Husqvarna, Roborock, and Dreame now handle tricky yards more reliably. These machines still need occasional supervision, though. Owners should still check boundaries and settings periodically to avoid damage to lawns or neighboring yards.
Apple Epic App Store: Takeaways for readers watching these stories
The Apple Epic App Store fees case remains unresolved for now. Expect Epic’s formal opposition within the next two months. Developers relying on external payment links should watch this closely.
- Apple proposes 15 percent standard fees, 5 percent for small businesses
- Epic plans a formal legal challenge with expert testimony
- Ford’s Fathom EV targets 2027 production at $28,000
- Rivian adds long-requested second-row seating for 2027
- Screenless wearables and robot lawnmowers show real hardware progress
Each story shares a common thread: incremental change with real consequences for consumers. Meanwhile, the App Store fee fight could reshape app pricing nationwide.
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