Apple's 'walled garden' breached, as Spotify, Patreon, and more exercise new freedoms post-court ruling

The ramifications of Apple's App Store court ruling are beginning to materialize, unleashing new freedoms for developers and striking at the core of Apple's lucrative "walled garden." Now creator platform Patreon, game emulator Delta, and streaming giant Spotify are among the first to overhaul their iOS apps, now directing users to web-based subscriptions that sidestep Apple's hefty commissions; the ruling found Apple in "willful violation" of a prior injunction, specifically barring its 27% fee on external links and the use of "scare screens."

Rapid recalibration: In early May, Patreon rolled out an updated app with a prominent "Join" button for direct web payments via credit card, Venmo, or PayPal, relegating Apple's In-App Purchase option to smaller text. Delta quickly followed, enabling users to join its Patreon for perks like exclusive features directly within the app; its creator declared, "Goodbye scare screens." Spotify also launched an Apple-approved updated app allowing U.S. users to access pricing and subscribe directly on its website.

Developer windfall: Bypassing Apple’s commissions—historically 30% and recently 27% on external links—represents a substantial financial uplift for developers. Patreon, for instance, now offers creators the full value of fan support without Apple taking a cut, a change a spokesperson called "a huge moment for creators and their businesses." This newfound flexibility particularly impacts smaller developers, with RevenueCat data showing some reporting 15–20% revenue boosts by redirecting even a small fraction of users.

Apple's fortress challenged: The court's decision directly targets Apple's ecosystem control and its $26.6 billion quarterly services revenue, which includes the App Store. Apple "strongly disagrees" with the ruling and intends to appeal, even seeking an emergency stay arguing the court overstepped by setting its commission to zero. But the ruling was effective immediately, forcing Apple to update its U.S. App Store guidelines on May 2.

Consumer crosscurrents: While developers celebrate, the changes also promise consumer benefits; Morgan Stanley estimates U.S. users could save $2 billion annually if a third of transactions move externally. Amazon’s Kindle app, for the first time since 2011, now features a "Get Book" button linking to its website, offering another direct purchase avenue. The market now watches how Apple adapts as its App Store policies face sustained legal and competitive pressure.