# The Continuing Chronicles of Fortnite’s App Store Comeback: Epic Games vs. Apple
In a notable update last week, Epic Games disclosed that it had filed its immensely popular game, Fortnite, with the U.S. App Store. This action was prompted by a federal judge’s injunction that declared Apple could not enforce a 27% commission on out-of-app purchases linked through in-app connections. However, circumstances shifted when Epic Games announced that Apple had “blocked” this submission, hindering Fortnite’s launch on both the U.S. App Store and the Epic Games Store for iOS users within the European Union.
## The Present Condition of Fortnite
In a message conveyed via social media, Epic Games voiced frustration over Apple’s verdict, stating, “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Now, unfortunately, Fortnite on iOS will be offline globally until Apple lifts the block.” This declaration prompts inquiries into the motivations behind Apple’s denial and the prospects for Fortnite on iOS platforms.
Prior to this denial, Fortnite had been accessible to iPhone users in the EU via Epic’s alternative app marketplace and AltStore PAL. The iteration of Fortnite submitted by Epic featured both Apple’s In-App Purchase system and an external payment method via the Epic Games Store, showcasing Epic’s effort to adhere to some of Apple’s regulations while advocating for more favorable terms.
## Context: The Legal Struggle Between Epic Games and Apple
Fortnite has been absent from the App Store since 2020 when Epic Games implemented a backdoor payment solution to circumvent Apple’s App Store regulations. This maneuver ignited a prolonged legal dispute between the two corporations, culminating in a ruling that confirmed Apple’s authority to terminate Epic’s developer account for policy violations. The court ruled that Apple acted lawfully in its decision to cancel the Developer Program License Agreement (DPLA) with Epic Games.
In a 2021 decision, the court articulated:
> “Apple’s termination of the DPLA and the associated agreements between Epic Games and Apple was legitimate, lawful, and enforceable, and (ii) Apple has the contractual power to terminate its DPLA with any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any moment and at Apple’s exclusive discretion.”
This verdict highlighted Apple’s dominance over its App Store ecosystem and its capacity to uphold its regulations, which Epic has been challenging.
## Consequences for Developers and Consumers
The ongoing disagreement between Epic Games and Apple raises larger issues regarding the future of app distribution and payment systems within the digital marketplace. Developers are observing closely, as the resolution of this conflict could establish precedents for app store operations and the extent of control companies like Apple wield over in-app purchases.
For consumers, the absence of Fortnite on iOS devices signifies a considerable loss of access to one of the most renowned games worldwide. This scenario also underscores the obstacles encountered by developers aiming to provide alternative payment solutions without facing steep commissions from app store operators.
## Final Thoughts
As the situation continues to unfold, both Epic Games and Apple remain reticent about the details of the rejection and the way forward. The gaming community and app developers are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the outcome could have enduring repercussions for the app economy.
For the time being, Fortnite stays offline on iOS, and both companies are presumably gearing up for the next moves in this ongoing legal and commercial narrative. As we await further developments, the friction between Epic Games and Apple serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in digital commerce and the power dynamics shaping the app ecosystem.
