**Excerpt:**
In a landmark ruling, a federal judge has dealt Apple a major legal blow in its ongoing battle with Epic Games over App Store policies. The decision, issued on April 30, 2025, forces Apple to stop collecting commissions on external payments and lifts restrictions on how developers communicate alternative payment options to users. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also accused Apple of “willfully” violating a prior injunction, referring the case for potential contempt proceedings. Epic Games hailed the ruling as a victory for developers, announcing *Fortnite*’s return to the U.S. App Store and offering a “peace proposal” to end litigation. The case could reshape the app economy, challenging Apple’s dominance and setting new precedents for digital marketplaces.
*(This excerpt captures the key points—the ruling’s impact, Apple’s violations, Epic’s response, and broader industry implications—in a concise format.)*
