The judge on Friday said Apple would have to loosen some rules on developers. But the ruling favored Apple on many counts, including allowing the iPhone maker to continue its prohibition of third-party, in-app payment systems.

It also allowed Apple to continue to charge commissions of 15% to 30% for its own in-app payment system. Epic had said it would continue its legal fight.

Analysts said the impact may depend heavily on how Apple chooses to implement the judge's decision. Apple's critics and rivals said they are more likely to turn to legislators, rather than courts, to pursue the changes they seek. Both Apple and Epic declined to comment on Sunday.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis; Writing by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Daniel Wallis)