Epic Games is back in the courtroom with a mission: to get Fortnite back on the iOS App Store. After a months-long legal battle, the gaming giant has filed a motion in the District Court of California seeking to force Apple to accept a compliant version of Fortnite onto the US App Store. The latest move comes after a bombshell ruling last month that forced Apple to allow external payment processors for in-app purchases on iOS, something Epic has long advocated for.
Epic vs. Apple: The Battle Over Fortnite’s Return to iOS
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney was quick to react after the court ruling, promising to do “everything we can to bring Fortnite back to the iOS App Store.” Now, it seems that everything includes taking the issue to court. In a legal motion filed on May 19, Epic is seeking to compel Apple to accept the new version of Fortnite that complies with the court’s previous injunctions and current legal requirements.
For context, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store back in August 2020 after Epic implemented its controversial “Epic Direct Payments” hotfix in the game. This action kicked off a legal battle that has lasted nearly five years, with both companies facing off over issues of market control and payment processing. While Fortnite has been available on other platforms, its absence from iOS has been a significant blow to Epic’s revenue and player base.
The Latest Legal Battle: Apple’s Refusal to Accept Fortnite
Epic’s legal motion comes after Apple rejected a new version of Fortnite that Epic submitted on May 9, using a Swedish Epic Games account. Apple’s rejection letter, shared by Epic, argued that despite the recent court ruling allowing external payment processors, Epic’s version of Fortnite still violated Apple’s policies. Apple stated that the “hotfix” introduced by Epic in 2020—allowing players to bypass Apple’s payment system—was still unlawful under their current terms.
In its letter, Apple also suggested that the Swedish Epic Games account should submit a separate updated version of the game for other regions, excluding the US. This, Apple said, would prevent Fortnite from being delayed in other geographies while the legal issue remains unresolved. However, Epic fired back, claiming that this suggestion violated Apple’s guidelines, which prohibit developers from submitting multiple versions of the same app.
Epic’s response was swift and forceful. In a social media post, the company said that Apple’s actions amounted to “blatant retaliation” for its legal challenge and attempts to “circumvent” the court’s authority. Epic argued that the version of Fortnite it submitted fully complied with the court’s injunction and Apple’s guidelines by including a link to the Epic Games Store for in-app purchases. This would allow players to take advantage of a 20% discount on purchases compared to those made through Apple’s own in-app payment system.
The Legal Strategy: Epic Fights Back Against Apple’s Rejection
In its legal filing, Epic emphasized that Apple’s refusal to accept the latest version of Fortnite was an attempt to retaliate against the company for enforcing the court’s ruling. Epic argued that Apple could no longer reject an app just because the developer includes a link to an external purchase option, as the injunction forbids such actions. According to Epic, if Apple were allowed to block Fortnite for this reason, it would undermine the purpose of the court’s ruling and could set a dangerous precedent for future cases.
Epic further accused Apple of “punishing” the company for the nearly five-year-long legal battle and for seeking to “take advantage of the pro-competitive rules it helped usher in.” The motion emphasized that Apple should not be allowed to reject any developer who seeks to enforce the injunction, regardless of their decision to challenge Apple in court.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to Weigh In
The case is now in the hands of Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who has previously expressed frustration with Apple’s handling of the case. In her April ruling, Judge Gonzalez Rogers condemned Apple for its “clear and convincing violation” of the injunction and even referred Apple executives for criminal contempt after finding they had lied under oath. The judge’s statement made it clear that Apple’s attempts to undermine competition would not be tolerated, adding that the court would not allow further delays in implementing the injunction.
The battle between Epic and Apple continues to heat up, with both sides dug in on their respective positions. As the case moves forward, it will be crucial to see whether Judge Gonzalez Rogers takes further action to ensure that Apple complies with the court’s orders.
What’s at Stake for Fortnite and the App Store
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences not just for Fortnite, but for the entire mobile app ecosystem. Epic’s fight for the return of Fortnite to iOS is not just about one game—it’s about challenging Apple’s control over the App Store and pushing for more fair and open practices in the digital marketplace.
If Epic succeeds in forcing Apple to allow external payment processors and reopen the door for Fortnite, it could set a significant precedent for how mobile apps operate in the future. For Apple, the case represents a challenge to its long-standing App Store policies and could force the company to reconsider how it handles payment processing, revenue sharing, and developer relationships.
As the case moves through the courts, players, developers, and industry observers are eagerly waiting to see what will happen next. Will Fortnite return to iOS? Or will Apple continue to hold firm, using its legal rights to block the game’s return? One thing is for sure: this legal drama is far from over, and it’s a story that’s likely to have a lasting impact on the future of mobile gaming and app development.
