The long-running legal battle between Apple and Epic Games has taken another turn, as Apple has reportedly blocked Epic's attempt to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store. The move has also halted Fortnite's availability globally on iOS devices, including in the European Union where Epic had been distributing the game through its own app store.
In a post shared on social media platform X, the official Fortnite account announced the setback:
“Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.”
Epic Games had resubmitted Fortnite to Apple’s U.S. App Store just last week, following a significant legal development. A judge recently ruled that Apple cannot charge commissions on purchases made outside of its in-app payment system—marking a partial victory for Epic in a case that has spanned several years. Apple appealed the case soon after.
Background of the Apple vs. Epic Dispute
The conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games intentionally bypassed Apple’s in-app payment system by updating Fortnite to include a direct payment link to its own website. This violated Apple’s App Store guidelines, leading to Fortnite being removed from the App Store. Epic then filed a lawsuit, accusing Apple of monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior.
Apple has historically charged developers a 30% commission on in-app purchases. Epic argued that this policy was unfair and stifled competition. The case reached a partial resolution in 2021 when a judge ruled that Apple must allow developers to direct users to external payment options, but did not go as far as declaring Apple a monopoly.
In recent months, Epic sought to reintroduce Fortnite on iOS platforms in the U.S. and Europe. In the EU, the company had already begun distributing the game via its own app store—a move made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces Apple to allow third-party app stores on its devices.
However, Epic now claims Apple has also blocked distribution of Fortnite through the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU, effectively making the game inaccessible to iPhone users worldwide.
Current Status and Industry Impact
As of now, Fortnite is unavailable on iOS devices globally. Apple has not publicly commented on the latest development, despite media outreach including from CNBC.
The situation underscores the ongoing tension between Apple and developers pushing back against its App Store ecosystem. It also raises questions about how Apple will continue to navigate new regulatory frameworks like the EU’s DMA while maintaining control over its iOS platform.
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