Epic’s Innovative Payment Model Following Court Ruling Against Apple
In a significant development for app developers, Epic has unveiled an exciting new payment model just one day after a pivotal court ruling mandated that Apple permit app creators to direct users to external payment systems without incurring fees. This landmark decision marks a shift in the landscape of app monetization.
Details of Epic’s Payment Structure
Beginning in June 2025, Epic Games Store will implement a remarkable zero percent revenue share for all payment transactions until revenues hit the $1 million threshold. Once this limit is surpassed, the familiar revenue split of 88% to Epic and 12% to developers will take effect. This approach underscores Epic’s commitment to supporting developers, especially those who may feel constrained by existing payment structures.
Background: Apple’s Legal Challenges
This shift comes on the heels of a court ruling in 2021, which delivered a blow to Apple by asserting that the tech giant cannot prevent app developers from adding buttons or external links that redirect users to alternative payment systems. Despite the ruling, Apple’s failure to adjust its policies led Epic to pursue further legal action.
Recent Court Findings
On April 30, 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers ruled in the Northern District of California, highlighting that Apple intentionally disregarded the court’s injunction and sought to erect new barriers against competition. The judge notably pointed out discrepancies in the testimony of Apple’s Vice President of Finance, Alex Roman, regarding the implementation of a 27% commission for purchases outside the App Store, initially stated to begin in January 2024, but later revealed to have started as early as July 2023.
Reintroduction of Fortnite and New Features
With external payment methods set to launch, Epic is gearing up to reintroduce Fortnite on iOS devices through the U. S.App Store. The update is not just limited to this popular title; Epic has announced an innovative feature that allows developers to create their own “webshops”hosted on the Epic Games Store, further empowering them to reach consumers directly.
These webshops can offer players out-of-app purchases, as a more cost-effective alternative to in-app purchases, where Apple, Google, and others charge exorbitant fees. With new legal rulings in place, developers will be able to send players from games to make digital purchases from webshops on any platform that allows it, including iOS in the European Union and United States.
Furthermore, players utilizing Epic Webshops will earn an additional 5% in Epic Rewards on all their purchases, adding another layer of incentive for users to engage with the new payment platform.
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