And the battle continues! Just as it seemed the long-running feud between Apple and Epic Games was settling, Fortnite was abruptly removed from iOS platforms worldwide last week. But Epic isn’t backing off they’re heading back to court, determined to restore Fortnite to iOS in the U.S. for good.
After a recent U.S. court ruling mandating Apple to permit external payment links in apps, Epic attempted to reintroduce Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store through its Swedish developer account. This strategy would have enabled Epic to reintroduce Fortnite in the U.S. via its EU presence. However, on May 15, Apple rejected the submission, citing Epic’s past violations as sufficient reason to keep the game off the platform. In a surprising move, Apple also removed Fortnite from iOS globally, including in regions where it was still accessible.
Epic Games Returns to Court Against Apple Over Fortnite’s iOS Ban
In response, Epic filed a motion in the District Court of California, accusing Apple of “blatant retaliation” and ignoring the court’s injunction. Epic contends that the new Fortnite build fully complies with App Store policies and legal rulings by including a link to its external store instead of using in-app purchases to bypass Apple’s commission.
Epic also claims that Apple’s requirement to submit separate regional versions of Fortnite violates App Store rules and blocks updates for both U.S. and EU versions of the game. The company argues it’s being penalized for exercising its legal rights and is now urging Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to step in.
This follows the judge’s recent statement accusing Apple of a “clear and convincing violation” of her original order and warning that “time is of the essence.”
As of now, Fortnite remains unavailable on iOS across the globe. The growing dispute could also delay the game’s planned iOS release in Brazil. Whether Epic’s legal push leads to Fortnite’s return to the App Store or drags the battle out even longer—now rests in the court’s hands.
Apple has until May 21 to resolve the matter or appear for a court hearing. If it fails to do so, an Apple executive will be required to appear in court on May 27. Reports also indicate that if Apple doesn’t satisfy the court, the judge may impose penalties or even order an immediate review of Fortnite’s status.
For Apple users who were excited by Tim Sweeney’s announcement that Fortnite would return to the U.S. App Store, it looks like the wait isn’t over just yet. Are you also looking forward to Fortnite’s comeback on iOS once Epic gets a court resolution? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
