US Supreme Court Rejects Apple's Request to Stop Contempt Proceedings Over App Store Rules
Introduction
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to stop a lower court's decision that Apple broke a legal order regarding how its App Store operates.
Main Body
This legal conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games filed an antitrust lawsuit to change how apps are distributed and how payments are handled on iOS. Although Apple won most of the case, a 2021 court order required the company to allow external payment links within apps. However, Apple introduced a 27% commission for these third-party payments, which is only slightly lower than its standard 30% fee. Consequently, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in civil contempt in 2025, a decision that was later confirmed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in December. Both companies hold very different views on the situation. Apple emphasized that it did not break any court orders and argued that the rules should not apply to all developers. Furthermore, the company asserted that this case has important regulatory effects worldwide. On the other hand, Epic Games argued that any delay in enforcing the ruling would allow Apple to continue making unfair profits from developers and users. Because Justice Elena Kagan denied the request for a temporary stay, Apple cannot pause the lower court's ruling while it prepares its full appeal.
Conclusion
Apple must now follow the 9th Circuit's ruling while it continues its formal appeal to the Supreme Court.
Learning
The Logic of 'Connecting' Ideas
At the A2 level, we usually connect sentences with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These words act like signposts, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.
🚩 The 'Contrast' Shift
In the text, look at how the author moves from one company's side to the other:
- *"...important regulatory effects worldwide. On the other hand, Epic Games argued..."
Why this is B2: Instead of just saying "But," On the other hand prepares the listener for a completely different perspective. It is formal and structured.
🚩 The 'Result' Chain
Notice how a specific action leads to a legal result:
- *"...only slightly lower than its standard 30% fee. Consequently, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in civil contempt..."
The Upgrade:
- A2: "Apple kept the fee, so the judge was angry."
- B2: "Apple maintained the fee; consequently, the court ruled against them."
🚩 Adding Weight (The 'Furthermore' Effect)
When you want to add a second, stronger point to your argument, don't just use and. Use Furthermore:
- *"...did not break any court orders... Furthermore, the company asserted..."
Quick Reference Guide for your Transition:
| A2 Word (Basic) | B2 Alternative (Advanced) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| So | Consequently | Showing a result |
| But | On the other hand | Showing contrast |
| And / Also | Furthermore | Adding information |