January 24, 2026 NEW YORK, NY For years, they’ve controlled the screen you scroll through and the price you pay. But as of this Monday, the "wild west" of delivery app tipping is officially over in New York City.

In a crushing blow to Silicon Valley giants, a federal judge has cleared the way for two local laws that will fundamentally change how you order your next meal. DoorDash and Uber tried to kill the regulations in court, but U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels just handed them a reality check that is going to cost them—and potentially save delivery workers millions.

The "Stealth" Tipping Era Ends

Ever wonder why the tip prompt suddenly moved to the end of your order experience? It wasn't an accident. After NYC passed minimum wage laws in 2023, apps shifted the tipping screen to appear only after checkout.

The result? A staggering $554 million vanished from delivery workers' pockets in just over a year.

Starting Monday, the game changes. Under Local Laws 107 and 108:

• The 10% Prompt: Apps must now prompt you to tip at least 10%.

• Upfront Honesty: This prompt must happen before or at the same time you place your order—not hidden at the end of the transaction.

"Tipping Fatigue" vs. Fair Pay

The tech giants argued that forcing a tip prompt violates their First Amendment rights and would cause "tipping fatigue," ruining their reputation. Judge Daniels didn't buy it. In a sharp 13-page order, he noted that tipping isn't a "new development" and that the government has every right to regulate conduct that protects workers.

Essentially, the court told the apps: You can't claim free speech just to avoid showing a tip button.

Instacart’s "Flop" in Foley Square

While Uber and DoorDash were losing their battle, Instacart (Maplebear Inc.) was busy losing an even bigger one. They attempted to strike down five different laws, including the city's minimum wage standards, claiming they were unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge John Koeltl nixed that challenge in a 35-page dismantling of their argument. While Instacart plans to appeal, calling the laws "deeply flawed" and "onerous," the city is taking a victory lap.

"Those days are over," said Samuel Levine, Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. "Multi-billion-dollar companies need to comply with laws that protect workers and consumers."

What This Means for You on Monday

If you live in the five boroughs, your app is about to look different. You’ll see the tip option right where it belongs: before you hit "order." For the workers navigating NYC traffic to bring you your dinner, it means a return to the transparency they’ve been fighting for since 2023.

The era of hiding the tip is over. The era of the $18 minimum wage for delivery is here to stay.