Apple and Epic Games [Reuters=Yonhap News file photo]

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to formally review the validity of a lower court ruling that found Apple in "contempt of court" amid its ongoing dispute with Epic Games over app payment commissions.

The Supreme Court will begin formal proceedings after granting Apple's petition to overturn a lower court's decision, which held the company in contempt for the external payment commission rates it imposed on Epic Games, Reuters and Bloomberg reported on the 30th (local time).

While the Supreme Court previously rejected Apple's request to stay the lower court's ruling last May, it has now accepted the appeal on the merits of the case itself.

The Supreme Court plans to hold oral arguments for the case this coming October.

In 2020, Epic Games, the developer of "Fortnite," filed a lawsuit claiming that the 30% commission rate Apple charges for in-app payments is excessive.

The court subsequently ruled that Apple must allow external payment methods, a judgment that became final in January 2024.

Apple complied with the ruling by allowing external payments, but it imposed a 27% commission on such transactions, a rate that differs only marginally from its in-app payment fees.

Epic Games returned to court, arguing that Apple had disregarded the spirit of the ruling, and the appellate court subsequently found Apple’s actions to be in "contempt of court."