Ongoing Dispute Between Apple and Epic Games Over Fortnite
Apple and Epic Games have found themselves in a renewed conflict regarding the availability of Fortnite on the App Store. This latest disagreement follows Epic’s assertion that Apple has blocked the popular game globally.
Epic Games’ Accusations
Recently, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media to accuse Apple of rejecting Fortnite’s re-entry into the U.S. App Store, as well as withdrawing it from the European market. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Sweeney claimed that Apple ignored a recent app submission. This occurred despite Epic’s intentions to make Fortnite accessible again on iPhones through their new Epic Games Store app in the European Union.
Apple’s Response
In response to these accusations, Apple challenged the narrative, stating that the claim of a worldwide ban on Fortnite is not accurate. The company’s statement, shared with Bloomberg, indicated that while it did not provide extensive details, it refuted the idea that Fortnite was blocked on a global scale.
Developer Responsibilities in App Submission
According to Apple, the onus is on developers to specify the regions in which they want their apps available during the submission process. This implies that Epic may have designated the U.S. as a territory, even though Fortnite is currently not permitted to return there.
Clarification from Apple
Apple: We asked that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update without including the US storefront of the App Store so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies. We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces in the EC. https://t.co/QcZitRbuWZ
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 16, 2025
Previous Confusion Over Fortnite’s Availability
This isn’t the first instance of confusion over Fortnite’s return to mobile platforms. In January, Epic had announced the game’s imminent comeback to iOS, particularly in European markets. This was facilitated by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates that Apple allow alternative app stores on iOS devices, enabling Epic to plan the launch of its own storefront.
Current Status and Future Prospects
However, earlier this month, Fortnite vanished again from the stores, with Epic attributing the situation to Apple’s block on launching its store and the game in both the U.S. and EU. While Apple has not provided a comprehensive explanation regarding its actions in the U.S., Epic has also not clarified the reasons behind labeling the issue as a global ban.
Looking Ahead
Currently, confirmed progress exists solely within Europe, where Apple has allowed Epic to re-establish its developer account. This is a crucial step toward launching the Epic Games Store and relisting Fortnite. The likelihood of similar developments occurring in the U.S. remains up in the air.
This ongoing standoff between Apple and Epic Games shows no signs of resolution, leaving Fortnite fans in suspense, particularly those outside the EU.
Apple vs. Epic Games: The Fortnite Conflict
The ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games has intensified as discussions regarding Fortnite’s return to the App Store heat up. The situation escalated when Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney claimed that Apple had imposed a global ban on Fortnite. However, Apple promptly contested this narrative, shedding light on the intricacies of the game’s status.
Recent Developments
This week, a series of statements reignited the dispute between the two tech powerhouses. Sweeney accused Apple of rejecting Fortnite on the U.S. App Store and removing it from the European storefront. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he suggested that Epic’s attempts to reintroduce Fortnite to iPhones through a new Epic Games Store app in the EU were being ignored.
Apple’s Response to Ban Claims
In response to Sweeney’s assertions, Apple clarified its position to Bloomberg, stating that claims of a worldwide ban were inaccurate. The company explained that developers must specify the regions where they wish their apps to be available during the submission process. This implies that it was Epic itself that may have designated the U.S. as a territory for Fortnite, despite its current unavailability there.
Clarification on App Store Availability
Apple further elaborated that it requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update omitting the U.S. App Store to avoid affecting Fortnite’s availability in other regions. The tech giant emphasized that it did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution platforms in Europe.
The Rollercoaster of Fortnite’s Return
This is not the first instance of confusion surrounding Fortnite’s potential return to iOS. Initially, in January, Epic announced that Fortnite would make a comeback to the platform, particularly in Europe. This development stemmed from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which mandated Apple to permit alternative app stores on iOS devices. Epic aimed to launch its own storefront alongside Fortnite.
Current Status of Fortnite on iOS
Recently, however, the game once again vanished from the scene, with Epic attributing the setback to Apple blocking its storefront and the game in both the U.S. and European markets. While Apple hasn’t fully disclosed its reasons for the U.S. situation, Epic has not clarified its global ban allegations either, leaving many questions unanswered.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future for Fortnite
As of now, the only definitive progress has been in Europe, where Apple has permitted Epic to restore its developer account. This is a crucial step towards launching the Epic Games Store and reinstating Fortnite. However, the status of similar developments in the U.S. remains uncertain.
The ongoing standoff between Apple and Epic Games continues to evolve, and for Fortnite enthusiasts, the path to reaccessing the game is still fraught with uncertainty, particularly outside the European markets.
