The ongoing legal battle between Apple Inc. and Epic Games has taken another turn, with Apple blocking Epic’s recent attempt to bring the popular game Fortnite back to the App Store. This development underscores the persistent tensions between the two companies over app distribution and payment policies.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict began in August 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase mechanism and its associated 30% commission. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, citing violations of its guidelines. Epic promptly filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging anti-competitive practices.
In September 2021, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that while Apple’s App Store policies were not monopolistic, the company could not prohibit developers from directing users to alternative payment methods. Both companies appealed aspects of the ruling, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Recent Developments
In April 2025, Judge Rogers found that Apple had willfully violated her previous injunction by imposing a 27% commission on out-of-app purchases and restricting how developers could inform users about alternative payment options. The court ordered Apple to cease these practices immediately and referred the case to the U.S. Department of Justice for potential criminal contempt proceedings.
Following this ruling, Epic Games submitted Fortnite for reinstatement on the U.S. App Store on May 9, 2025. The submission included both Apple’s in-app purchase system and an external payment option through the Epic Games Store, aligning with the court’s directive to allow alternative payment methods.
Apple’s Response
Despite the court’s injunction, Apple has blocked Epic’s submission, preventing Fortnite’s return to the App Store. Epic Games announced on social media:
> 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.
The exact reasons for Apple’s decision remain unclear. It is uncertain whether Apple has formally rejected the submission or is delaying its response. Additionally, the game is no longer available via the Epic Games Store in the EU, despite previous availability through alternative app marketplaces.
Implications for iOS Users
As a result of this impasse, Fortnite remains inaccessible on iOS devices globally. Players who had previously downloaded the game are unable to receive updates, leading to a fragmented gaming experience. While cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming offer alternative access to Fortnite on iOS, these solutions come with limitations, such as latency issues and reduced graphical fidelity.
Broader Context
This standoff highlights the broader debate over app store policies and the control exerted by platform holders like Apple over digital ecosystems. Regulatory bodies, particularly in the European Union, have been scrutinizing such practices. The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect in March 2024, aims to promote fair competition by requiring tech giants to allow alternative app stores and payment systems on their platforms.
In response to the DMA, Apple reinstated Epic’s developer account in Europe, allowing the launch of the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS devices in the region. However, the recent blocking of Fortnite’s submission in the U.S. suggests that Apple may continue to resist similar changes in other markets.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing legal and regulatory battles between Apple and Epic Games are emblematic of the larger struggle between developers seeking more autonomy and platform holders aiming to maintain control over their ecosystems. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for app distribution, payment processing, and the balance of power in the tech industry.
For now, Fortnite enthusiasts on iOS devices must wait for a resolution between the two companies or seek alternative platforms to enjoy the game.
