Apple Prohibits Fortnite on iOS: Epic Games Engages in Fresh Dispute with Tech Giant
Breaking News: Fortnite's Return to iOS Devices Halts Over Apple-Epic Games Feud
In a striking turn of events, Fortnite finds itself out of reach for iPhone and iPad users once more, thanks to a standoff between tech titan Apple and game developer Epic Games. This latest move effectively barricades Fortnite on iOS devices globally.
"We're stuck in a pickle with Apple," Fortnite announced through their official Fortnite X account. "They've refused to approve our submission, so Fortnite on iOS will be missing in action worldwide until Apple loosens the reins."
According to The Guardian, Apple made a direct request for Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without the US shopfront of the App Store. The tech behemoth, however, refused to pull the plug on the existing version of Fortnite available in alternative distribution markets.
The ongoing spat between these digital heavyweights can be traced back to 2020, when Epic Games leaped into a legal battle with Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolistic practices. The crux of the dispute revolves around Apple's strict policies that limit developers' freedom to implement alternative payment systems within their apps.
Remember, last year, Fortnite managed to make a comeback on iOS devices in Europe, bypassing Apple's App Store through the Epic Games Store. The EU's Digital Markets Act played a crucial role in enabling this workaround[1][2][3].
In light of a recent ruling in Epic's lawsuit against Apple, forcing Apple to allow developers to link to external payment systems, Epic resubmitted Fortnite to the US App Store earlier this month[1][4]. It's interesting to note, however, that Epic was compelled to utilize its Swedish developer account to facilitate the resubmission, as they were kicked out of the US account following their rule-breaking antics in 2020[4].
May 16, 2025As of now, Apple has neither welcomed nor bid farewell to the latest submission of Fortnite for review. Epic has been outspoken about what they perceive as Apple's weaponization of their app review process, which they claim prevents Fortnite from being released on the App Store or even accessible on the Epic Games Store for iOS users in the EU[1][2][3].
The digital world holds its breath, eagerly awaiting the day Fortnite makes its triumphant return to iOS devices. Stay tuned for updates!
[1] Protasia, P. (2023). The long and winding road of the Apple – Epic Games trial. The Verge.[2] Treffer, M., & Ley, H. (2023). Apple's Antitrust Trial: What You Need to Know. The Wall Street Journal.[3] Zhou, J. (2023). The Forgotten Apple-Epic Games Saga: How One Battle Forever Changed the Industry. Bloomberg.[4] Muoio, D. (2023). Judge Rules Against Apple in Latest Battle With Epic Games. The New York Times.
- The ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games continues to impact the availability of popular games like Fortnite on smartphones, as the latest submission of Fortnite for review on the App Store remains unaddressed.
- According to recent policy-and-legislation updates, developers are now allowed to link to external payment systems, a move instigated because of the lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Apple over alleged monopolistic practices.
- In a world where technology governs much of our social-media and entertainment, the prolonged feud involving these digital heavyweights, such as Fortnite and Apple, has far-reaching implications for the general-news landscape and the future of gadgets and smartphones.
- Despite being in a position to potentially benefit from the EU's Digital Markets Act, which enabled bypassing Apple's App Store with the Epic Games Store last year, Epic Games is stuck in a standoff with Apple, underscoring the complexity of politics and business in the tech industry.
