Apple Blocks Fortnite from iPhone Again Despite Court Ruling
Apple Blocks Fortnite on iPhone Once More Despite Legal Victory
Fortnite is once again unavailable on iOS devices. Apple has rejected Epic Games’ latest attempt to reintroduce the popular battle royale game to the App Store. According to Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney, the company submitted a new version of Fortnite for review on May 9th, but nearly a week passed without approval. By May 14th, it became clear that Apple had simply not permitted the game’s return.
Current Status of Fortnite on iOS and Europe
Epic confirmed that Fortnite will remain inaccessible not only in the United States but also across the European Union through the Epic Games Store for iOS. Until Apple changes its stance, Fortnite will stay offline on all iOS devices, leaving fans disappointed worldwide.
Background: The Ongoing Battle Between Epic and Apple
This dispute dates back to 2020 when Epic attempted to bypass Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases by integrating direct payment options within Fortnite. In retaliation, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and deleted Epic’s developer account, sparking a high-profile legal battle.
Legal Proceedings and Their Impact
The lawsuits dragged on for years, with a partial victory in 2021 when a court ordered Apple to allow developers to include links to external payment systems. However, Apple swiftly responded by imposing new rules: a 27% commission on external payments and warnings about the risks of third-party payment methods.
Recent Court Ruling and Its Consequences
Just a month ago, a U.S. court found that Apple had violated a 2021 court order, and court officials accused Apple’s Vice President, Alex Rromman, of perjury. The company now faces potential criminal charges for contempt of court, which could result in further penalties or sanctions.
Epic’s Plan to Bring Fortnite Back to iOS
Following the latest legal developments, Epic announced plans to restore Fortnite to the App Store as early as May. Additionally, the company introduced a new incentive: players who make purchases directly through Epic Games will receive 20% cashback, instead of paying the usual platform fees to Apple.
Apple’s Resistance and the Future of Cross-Platform Gaming
Despite Epic’s efforts, Apple continues to block the game’s return. While the company has yet to issue an official statement, its actions suggest it remains unconvinced about reintegrating Fortnite into the App Store ecosystem.
CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized the importance of seamless, multi-platform experiences, criticizing Apple’s restrictions for hindering the development and launch of live, evolving games like Fortnite. He pointed out that such titles rely heavily on simultaneous releases across all platforms to succeed and thrive in today’s gaming landscape.
Additional Context and Industry Insights
Previously, Sweeney also expressed frustrations with Epic’s own launcher, calling it “clunky,” and compared it unfavorably to Steam, which benefits from the expertise of Valve’s top developers. The ongoing battle highlights broader issues surrounding platform control and fair competition in the digital game distribution space.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.