- Epic Games has asked a judge to compel Apple to allow Fortnite back on the U.S. App Store.
- Apple is appealing a recent ruling and blocking Fortnite’s return pending further court decisions.
- The dispute centres on App Store commissions and developer rights to offer alternative payment methods.
Epic Games is intensifying its legal battle with Apple, filing a new court motion to require Apple to approve any compliant version of Fortnite for the U.S. App Store.
The move follows a recent court victory for Epic, in which Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple had willfully violated an injunction against anti-competitive pricing, opening the door for Fortnite’s return and for developers to offer alternative payment options.
Despite the ruling, Apple has appealed and is withholding Fortnite’s reinstatement until the Ninth Circuit Court rules on its request for a partial stay of the injunction.
Epic claims Apple is “punishing” it by blocking Fortnite in the U.S. and sending a warning to other developers not to challenge its practices.
Apple, meanwhile, says it only asked Epic Games to resubmit the app without the U.S. storefront to avoid impacting Fortnite’s availability in other regions.
The dispute dates back to 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite after Epic introduced direct payments, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission.
The latest legal filings highlight ongoing tensions over App Store control, commissions, and the broader rights of developers to compete on iOS.
Epic argues that Apple’s actions undermine the pro-competitive changes the court ordered and continue to stifle competition on the App Store.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for app developers and the future of digital marketplaces.
Edited by Annette George
