Image via Fortnite
Epic Games has initiated a fresh legal motion aimed at compelling Apple to review and approve the reinstatement of Fortnite on the U.S. App Store. The company argues that Apple’s refusal is in violation of a recent court injunction, alleging that this constitutes contempt of court. Epic is requesting that Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers order Apple to accept any version of Fortnite that adheres to the established guidelines without further delay. According to Epic, the app already complies with all of Apple’s requirements, while Apple insists it will not reconsider Fortnite until the ongoing U.S. litigation concludes, prolonging the conflict.
Epic’s Motion to Enforce the Court’s Injunction
In its legal filing, Epic contends that Apple’s refusal to reinstate Fortnite contradicts the injunction issued on April 30, 2025, which specifies that Apple cannot reject applications solely for including external payment links. The company is asking the court to recognize Apple as being in civil contempt and to enforce the immediate approval of any compliant Fortnite submissions. Epic cites testimony from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who previously indicated that reinstating Fortnite would benefit users, further reinforcing their argument for swift action.
Apple’s Response to the Motion
Apple has communicated to Epic that it will not process the latest Fortnite submission “until after the Ninth Circuit Court rules on the partial stay.” Epic views this stance as a direct defiance of the court’s injunction. Furthermore, Apple has requested Epic’s Swedish unit to remove the U.S. storefront from the app to prevent disruptions in other regions. According to Apple, under the developer agreement, it retains the right to reject applications that do not meet compliance standards. In a statement to PYMNTS, Apple clarified that the request aimed to streamline Fortnite’s updates across all regions.
The Legal and Regulatory Background
Fortnite was initially removed from the U.S. App Store in August 2020, following Epic’s introduction of an in-app purchase system designed to circumvent Apple’s 30% commission fee. In the aftermath, the EU’s Digital Markets Act allowed Fortnite to return via alternative stores, but Apple demanded separate regional versions, ultimately leading to the app being taken offline globally on iOS. The court’s injunction from April 30 mandated Apple to permit external payment links alongside its own system, but the tech giant has been slow to comply as it continues its legal appeals.
What’s Next in the Legal Saga
Judge Gonzalez Rogers previously declined to immediately restore Fortnite, although she has expressed frustration regarding Apple’s lack of compliance. There is speculation that she may lean in favor of Epic this time. Should the motion succeed, Fortnite could be reinstated in the U.S. App Store within days, but Apple is anticipated to appeal any ruling, extending the legal saga. Both parties are preparing for additional hearings, which could significantly impact app store policies and developer rights moving forward.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
This ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple is more than just a corporate dispute; it could reshape the landscape of digital distribution and mobile gaming. The outcome may influence how developers interact with app stores, alter financial terms, and redefine payment processing models. As both companies brace for the next stage of legal proceedings, the ramifications of this case will likely echo throughout the industry, affecting not only Fortnite but also countless other applications and developers.
Written By – Farjana Jamal, Freelancer, India Today Gaming
Image via Fortnite
Epic Games Takes Legal Action Against Apple
Epic Games has recently submitted a new motion requesting the court to compel Apple to review and approve the return of Fortnite to the U.S. App Store. The gaming company claims that Apple’s refusal to reinstate the app is a violation of a recent court injunction, effectively categorizing it as contempt of court. Epic’s stance is that the updated version of Fortnite now adheres to all of Apple’s regulations, and they urge the presiding Judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, to direct Apple to accept any compliant submissions promptly.
Understanding Epic’s Legal Arguments
In their court filing, Epic argues that Apple’s refusal to approve the app contradicts the injunction issued on April 30, 2025, which prohibits the company from rejecting apps solely for incorporating external payment links. Epic is requesting that the judge finds Apple in civil contempt and mandates the immediate approval of any compliant Fortnite builds. Epic also highlights that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, acknowledged during a trial that reinstating Fortnite would be beneficial for users, adding weight to their argument against unnecessary delays.
Apple’s Position on the Matter
In response, Apple has indicated to Epic that it will not process the latest submission for Fortnite until after the Ninth Circuit Court has made a ruling regarding a partial stay. Epic contends that this decision defies the court’s injunction. Furthermore, Apple has requested that Epic’s Swedish unit remove the U.S. storefront from the Fortnite build to avoid issues in other markets, claiming they retain the right to reject any apps that do not comply with their agreements.
The Legal Landscape Surrounding Fortnite
Fortnite was removed from the U.S. App Store back in August 2020 after Epic implemented an alternative in-app purchasing system, aiming to bypass Apple’s substantial 30% fee. The introduction of the EU’s Digital Markets Act later allowed for Fortnite’s return through third-party stores, yet Apple insisted on distinct regional versions which ultimately resulted in Fortnite being taken offline globally for iOS. The injunction from April required Apple to permit external payment links, but compliance has been slow as Apple pursues further legal appeals.
What’s Next for Fortnite and Apple?
Although Judge Gonzalez Rogers previously declined to reinstate Fortnite immediately, her frustration with Apple’s non-compliance suggests she may be inclined to support Epic’s motion this time around. Should the motion be successful, Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store could occur rapidly; however, Apple is poised to appeal any favorable ruling, potentially prolonging the legal dispute. Both parties are preparing for additional hearings, the outcomes of which could significantly impact app store policies and developers’ rights.
The Implications of the Ongoing Dispute
The ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple not only affects Fortnite but also sets important precedents for the entire app ecosystem. The resolution of this case may influence how app stores operate regarding payment systems, developer rights, and user access to popular applications. As the legal proceedings evolve, the gaming and tech industries will closely monitor the developments, given the far-reaching implications for both developers and consumers.
Written By – Farjana Jamal, Freelancer, India Today Gaming
