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Epic Games, the developer of the widely popular game Fortnite, has recently made headlines once again in its ongoing legal and business battle with Apple. The latest development? Epic Games attempted to submit Fortnite to the App Store in the United States, following an injunction where a federal judge ruled that Apple couldn’t take a 27% commission on purchases initiated through in-app links. However, just days after the announcement, Epic Games claims Apple has “blocked” their submission. Here’s what we know so far.
The Story So Far
Last week, Epic Games revealed that it had submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store in an attempt to bring the game back to iOS users after it was removed in 2020. This submission came after a federal judge ruled that Apple could no longer charge the 27% commission on transactions conducted through in-app links.
But today, Epic Games issued a statement revealing that Apple had blocked their submission. According to the post on social media, “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release it to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union.” Epic further announced that Fortnite would remain offline worldwide until Apple resolves the issue.
The exact reason behind the block remains unclear. Epic hasn’t confirmed whether Apple officially rejected Fortnite, or if the company is simply ignoring their submission. Additionally, it remains a mystery why the game has been pulled from the Epic Games Store in the EU as well, especially since Fortnite was still accessible through alternative channels like Epicās app marketplace and AltStore PAL.
Epic’s version of Fortnite was a significant factor in this submission. The game used both Appleās in-app purchase system and an external payment option through the Epic Games Store, which likely triggered the conflict with Apple’s App Store policies. As a reminder, Fortnite had been unavailable on the App Store since 2020 after Epic circumvented Appleās payment system by introducing a direct payment option, which violated the App Storeās guidelines.
Epic Games had hoped that its EU developer account would allow Fortnite to return to the App Store, but Apple had previously terminated the U.S. account in response to the direct payment method, a decision that was backed by a legal ruling. In 2021, a judge determined that Apple had every right to terminate Epicās developer account due to Epicās violation of the App Store Guidelines.
This legal battle has created an interesting dynamic in the digital marketplace. With Fortnite still missing from Appleās official platform, the dispute between Apple and Epic Games is far from over.
What Undercode Says:
The ongoing Fortnite debacle raises crucial questions about digital marketplace control, payment systems, and user accessibility. At the heart of this issue is the battle over in-app payments. Epic Games’ attempts to circumvent Appleās App Store payment system were seen as a challenge to Appleās authority over iOS app monetization. The issue isnāt just about Fortnite; itās about what happens when developers challenge major platform operators on their own turf.
The fact that Epic has used multiple submission avenues ā including an alternative app marketplace and Epicās own platform ā shows that Epic is looking for a workaround to the restrictions set by Apple. In a way, this is also a challenge to the dominance of Appleās App Store, which has long controlled the terms of app distribution on iOS.
Epic Gamesā strategy here appears to be aimed at reshaping the relationship between developers and platform holders. While it is clear that Epic wants Fortnite back on iOS, the bigger play might be to create legal precedents that allow for greater freedom for app developers to circumvent what they consider unfair commission structures. Epic Games has already won some concessions in the courts, with the ruling that Apple must allow developers to offer alternative payment systems. But Apple’s rejection of Fortniteās resubmission highlights the ongoing tension between the two companies.
Another interesting angle here is the fact that Epic is using its EU developer account to bypass Apple’s restrictions. It reflects the global nature of the conflict. While the battle started in the U.S., it is now playing out on a much larger scale, affecting Fortnite players across multiple regions. This strategic move might be a tactic to apply international pressure on Apple and expand the scope of the fight.
It is also important to note that Appleās decision to block Fortnite, or at least to delay the gameās return to the App Store, raises the stakes. Apple has always insisted that its App Store policies are designed to ensure security and integrity. However, this case exposes the vulnerabilities of such a tightly controlled ecosystem, especially when the financial interests of major players like Epic clash with Appleās business model.
Epic Games, for its part, has yet to back down. In fact, the ongoing legal battles could create an environment where other developers may begin to consider similar challenges to Appleās App Store rules. As the digital marketplace evolves, this case may serve as a turning point, not just for Fortnite, but for the entire mobile app industry.
Fact-Checker Results š:
- Epic Games’ attempt to resubmit Fortnite on iOS follows a series of legal rulings, including a federal judge’s decision that Apple must allow alternative payment systems for developers.
2. The blocking of
- Epicās use of its EU developer account to bypass Appleās restrictions shows a broader strategy to apply pressure internationally and challenge Appleās App Store control.
Prediction š:
Looking ahead, it is likely that this saga will continue, with Epic Games pushing for more widespread changes to how app stores operate. The likelihood of a compromise remains uncertain, but the legal implications of this battle may lead to future regulations aimed at making app store policies more transparent and fairer to developers. Appleās long-standing dominance may face new challenges as Epicās legal and strategic maneuvers gain more attention. If Epic succeeds, we could see more developers follow suit, potentially altering the way app marketplaces function globally.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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