The ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games has taken another turn, as Apple is blocking Fortnite from returning to the iOS App Store. Despite recent legal developments, Fortnite on iOS remains unavailable, leaving players without access to the popular game on their iPhones and iPads.
Epic Games attempted to reintroduce Fortnite on iOS after a legal ruling that allowed developers to link to external payment systems. However, Apple rejected the submission, keeping the game off the App Store in the United States and the European Union. This decision means that Fortnite on iOS is currently inaccessible again worldwide.
The conflict between Apple and Epic Games goes back to 2020, when Epic implemented its own payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission fee, aka “Apple Tax.” This led to Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store and terminating Epic’s developer account. Although Epic has since made efforts to obey Apple’s guidelines, the recent block indicates that tensions between the two companies continue.
Many gamers expected Fortnite to come back without any more conflict after the verdict, but instead, they are facing more delays and silence. Epic tried to follow the new rules and still got denied makes things feel more personal than procedural. It’s a tough spot for players, especially those who have been waiting years to play Fortnite on iOS again.
In the European Union, Epic had previously made Fortnite available through alternative app marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store and AltStore PAL. However, these versions have also been removed, further limiting access for players in the region.
The continued absence of Fortnite on iOS highlights the complications of the relationship between Apple and Epic Games, as well as the challenges developers face when navigating app store policies. Until a solution is found, fans of Fortnite will need to seek alternative platforms to enjoy the game.
