Following a recent decision by Apple, Epic Games has announced that the popular game Fortnite is no longer accessible on iPhones and iPads globally. This development stems from Apple's refusal to approve a submission by Epic Games to reintroduce Fortnite in the App Store within the US and Europe. The situation marks another chapter in the ongoing legal dispute between the two tech giants, rooted in allegations of monopolistic practices and disputes over app store policies.
In an early Friday post, Fortnite's official account stated that Apple had obstructed their attempt to relaunch the game in both the US App Store and the Epic Games Store for iOS users in the European Union. Consequently, Fortnite on iOS will remain inaccessible worldwide until Apple reverses its stance. According to Apple, they requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without including the US storefront, aiming to prevent disruptions in other regions. However, Apple did not interfere with Fortnite's presence in alternative distribution platforms.
This latest conflict builds upon a long-standing feud initiated in 2020 when Epic Games accused Apple of leveraging its dominance to exploit developers through excessive commissions. In 2021, after a month-long trial, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers largely dismissed Epic’s claims but mandated Apple to relax its control over in-app commerce payments and allow external payment links in the US for the first time.
Despite exhausting appeals up to the US Supreme Court, Apple implemented changes last year, enabling links to alternative payment methods while maintaining a 27% commission on transactions conducted outside its system. In response, Epic criticized Apple for defying legal norms, leading to renewed court proceedings lasting nearly a year. Last month, Judge Gonzalez Rogers issued a harsh condemnation, finding Apple in civil contempt and prohibiting the collection of any fees on alternative payment systems.
This ruling paved the way for Fortnite's potential return to the iPhone App Store in the US, which Epic anticipated before Apple's recent actions. Meanwhile, Fortnite was expected to launch in the EU via an alternative platform, now known as the Epic Games Store, following regulatory pressures that compelled Apple to adapt its policies.
The global unavailability of Fortnite on iOS underscores the complex interplay between corporate interests and regulatory compliance. As the battle between Apple and Epic continues, it remains uncertain how this standoff will affect millions of gamers worldwide who rely on iOS devices for their gaming experiences.