Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Stripe has published guidance for iOS developers to implement external payment links, allowing them to bypass Apple’s usual 15-30% App Store commission.
- A recent court ruling found Apple in violation of a previous injunction, prohibiting the company from collecting fees on external purchases and restricting its ability to limit external payment links.
- Stripe’s transaction fee is a flat 2.9% plus $0.30 per successful online transaction, offering a significantly more affordable alternative for developers.
- Developers can now add clearly labeled buttons or links in their apps that redirect users to Stripe-hosted checkout pages, opening new monetization avenues.
- Apple is barred from interfering with external payment flows, aside from displaying neutral notifications when users leave the app.
- Epic Games plans to return Fortnite to the App Store with both Apple’s payment system and a lower-cost external option, signaling broader industry implications.
- The ruling may lead to greater competition and innovation in mobile app payments, reducing costs for both developers and consumers.
The Court Ruling That Changed the Game
A landmark legal decision has dramatically altered the landscape for iOS app developers. On May 1, 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple was in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction from the Epic Games lawsuit. The court found that Apple’s 27% fee on external purchases was essentially a way to maintain its lucrative, anticompetitive revenue stream, directly defying the court’s original order. As a result, Apple is now explicitly prohibited from collecting any fees on purchases made outside the App Store. The ruling also restricts Apple from limiting external payment links, using “scare screens,” or otherwise discouraging users from choosing alternative payment methods.
Judge Rogers was blunt in her assessment, stating that “Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this court’s injunction.” The court has even referred Apple’s conduct to federal prosecutors for a potential criminal contempt investigation. In response, Epic Games announced plans to bring Fortnite back to the App Store, offering both Apple’s payment system and a more affordable external option. This legal shift opens the door for developers to explore new monetization strategies without fear of punitive fees or restrictions from Apple.
Stripe’s 2.9% Fee: A Developer-Friendly Alternative
Stripe’s standard pricing model is a flat 2.9% plus $0.30 per successful online transaction. This transparent fee structure applies to most major credit cards and digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. There are no hidden costs or monthly fees, making Stripe an attractive alternative for developers who want to maximize their revenue.
For comparison, Apple’s App Store commission ranges from 15% to 30%, depending on the developer’s size and revenue. Stripe’s significantly lower fee structure can result in substantial savings, especially for high-volume or high-value transactions. Developers should be aware of a few variations: in-person payments through Stripe Terminal are charged at 2.7% plus $0.05 per transaction, while international cards incur an additional 1.5% fee and currency conversion adds another 1%. ACH direct debits and Buy Now, Pay Later options have their own rates, but for most online payments, the 2.9% + $0.30 model applies.
By leveraging Stripe, developers can retain more of their earnings, reinvest in their products, and offer more competitive pricing to users. This fee structure is a game-changer for app-based businesses that previously had to factor in Apple’s much higher commission.
Implementing External Payment Links in iOS Apps
With the legal barriers removed, Stripe has published detailed documentation to help iOS developers implement external payment links. The process involves adding a clearly labeled button or link within the app that redirects users to a Stripe-hosted checkout page in their browser. This approach bypasses Apple’s commission entirely and gives developers full control over the payment experience.
The implementation process includes several key steps:
- Add a button or link in the app that clearly indicates it will take users to an external payment page.
- Set up Stripe Checkout on your website to process payments for digital goods or services.
- Implement webhook endpoints to verify when a transaction is successful.
- Ensure the checkout experience supports Apple Pay for a seamless user journey.
- Follow Apple’s technical requirements, such as opening links in the device’s default browser.
While this method requires more development effort than using Apple’s in-app purchase system, it offers complete freedom from Apple’s commission structure. Developers also gain access to Stripe’s robust analytics, fraud protection, and customizable checkout flows. The court ruling ensures that Apple cannot interfere with this process beyond displaying a neutral notification when users leave the app, further protecting developer autonomy.
Industry Implications and the Road Ahead
The combination of the court ruling and Stripe’s proactive guidance is poised to reshape the mobile app economy. By enabling developers to bypass Apple’s commission, the industry may see:
- Increased competition among payment processors, driving down fees and improving service quality.
- More innovative monetization models, as developers are no longer constrained by Apple’s rules.
- Lower prices for consumers, as developers pass on savings from reduced transaction fees.
- Greater transparency and control for developers over their revenue streams.
Epic Games’ decision to return Fortnite to the App Store with both Apple’s payment system and a lower-cost external alternative is a clear signal that major players are ready to embrace this new paradigm. Smaller developers, who have long struggled with Apple’s high fees, stand to benefit even more.
As Stripe and other payment providers continue to innovate, we can expect to see a wave of new tools and integrations designed to make external payments as seamless and user-friendly as possible. The days of a single, monopolistic payment gateway on iOS may be coming to an end.
Stripe’s move to empower iOS developers with external payment links, combined with a decisive court ruling against Apple, signals a new era of freedom and competition in mobile app payments. Developers now have more choices-and more control-than ever before.
