Fortnite Faces Global iOS Blackout: Apple Blocks Rerelease Amidst Legal Battle

The ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple has taken another dramatic turn. Fortnite, the wildly popular battle royale game, is now unavailable on Apple's iOS devices worldwide. This development follows Apple's decision to block Epic's attempt to rerelease the game for iPhone users in the U.S. and Europe, marking the latest chapter in a years-long dispute over app store policies and in-app purchase commissions.

Apple initially removed Fortnite from its App Store in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system to circumvent Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases. This sparked an antitrust lawsuit, with Epic arguing that Apple was illegally leveraging its market power. While a U.S. District Judge ruled against most of Epic's claims, she did order Apple to allow developers to include links to alternative payment options.

Following a ruling that appeared to clear the path for Fortnite's return to iOS in the U.S., Epic Games announced that Apple had blocked their submission. "Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the U.S. App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union," Epic Games stated on X. "Sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it."

Apple, in a statement, claimed they requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront, aiming to avoid impacting Fortnite in other regions. However, Epic argues that Apple's actions are a form of retaliation for Epic's ongoing legal challenges and an attempt to circumvent court orders. Epic's legal team is now seeking court intervention, accusing Apple of "blatant retaliation" and seeking to "circumvent this Court's Injunctions and this Court's authority."

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who has previously criticized Apple's anti-competitive practices, will preside over the matter. She has previously accused Apple executives of lying under oath and stated, "Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated." Her past statements suggest a potentially challenging environment for Apple in this renewed legal battle.

This ongoing conflict underscores the broader debate about control over app store ecosystems and the fees charged to developers. While Apple maintains its policies are necessary to maintain a secure and consistent user experience, Epic argues that they stifle competition and innovation. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of the app economy.

The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple shows no signs of slowing down. What are your thoughts on Apple's app store policies? Do you think they are fair to developers, or do they stifle competition? Share your opinions in the comments below!

• Apple
• Epic Games
• Fortnite

Related issues news

Is Fortnite on 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 is Fortnite blocked?

Epic Games cannot release Fortnite on the US App Store or in the EU. Apple requested a resubmission of Fortnite without the US shopfront. Epic Games' Fortnite has been blocked from returning to iOS devices by Apple, despite the game's availability in the European Union through the Epic Games Store.

Will Fortnite come back to Apple?

That ruling cleared the way for Epic to finally return to the iPhone app store in the US, a reinstatement the video game maker was anticipating before Apple's latest move.

When will Fortnite be on the App Store?

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).

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