Apple Blocks Fortnite’s Comeback: Epic Games Accuses Apple of App Store Sabotage
The battle between Epic Games and Apple continues as Epic claims Apple has blocked the return of Fortnite to the App Store in the United States, and even the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. This means Fortnite will be unavailable on iPhones and iPads globally, escalating the long-standing dispute over app store policies and commission fees.
The conflict ignited back in 2020 when Epic Games challenged Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases by implementing its own payment system within Fortnite. This led to Apple removing the game from the App Store, sparking an antitrust lawsuit. While a judge ruled against Epic on most counts, she did order Apple to allow developers to include links to external payment options within their apps, a significant blow to Apple's control over in-app commerce.
Earlier this month, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed optimism about Fortnite's return to the App Store, suggesting it could happen if Apple extended the court's “friction-free, Apple tax-free framework” globally. However, those hopes were dashed on Friday when the official Fortnite X account announced that Apple had blocked their app submission.
Apple, in response, stated that they requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without the U.S. storefront of the App Store to avoid impacting Fortnite in other regions. They asserted that they had not taken any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces.
According to Epic Games, the block also extends to their plans to distribute Fortnite through the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union, a possibility created by the Digital Markets Act. This act allows third-party app stores on iOS devices within the EU.
Gabriel Le Roux, CEO of payments infrastructure startup Primer, highlighted the broader issue for developers, stating, “Developers are being boxed into a rigid ecosystem that limits how they monetise, engage with users, and scale.” He further emphasized the impact on gaming companies, explaining that losing 15-30% on every in-app transaction can “completely erode profitability.”
The latest development underscores the ongoing tension between app developers and platform holders like Apple, raising questions about the future of app store regulations and the control exerted by tech giants. The situation is likely to have significant ramifications for the mobile gaming industry.
What are your thoughts on Apple's decision? Will this ultimately benefit or harm consumers and developers alike? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Related issues news
Is Fortnite on iOS?
Apple has blocked access to the online game Fortnite on iPhone devices in the United States and the European Union, according to the video game maker.
Is Fortnite in the App Store?
Apple banned Fortnite from its store in 2020 but allowed the game back last year following pressure from European Union authorities for Big Tech companies to comply with the bloc's Digital Markets Act. Last year, it also approved Epic Games' marketplace app on iPhones and iPads in Europe.
Why has Apple blocked Fortnite?
Fortnite's exile from the iPhone app store is the latest twist in a years-long feud between Apple and Epic. Back in 2020, the video game maker filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple in the US, alleging the technology trendsetter was illegally using its power to gouge game makers.
When will Fortnite be on mobile?
Play on Mobile Fortnite is now available worldwide on Android, and on iOS and iPadOS in the European Union, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Get it through the mobile Epic Games Store (which you can get from fortnite.com/download).
X talks about this news
Can you Like
