The long-simmering battle between Apple and Epic Games has become one of the technology world’s most famous—and longest-standing—feuds. What began as a war over in-app payment systems has degenerated into an all-encompassing legal and philosophical battle over dominance, access, and the future of digital marketplaces. And now, just as Fortnite was ready to make its return to the U.S. iOS App Store, events have taken another turn.
A Brief History: How We Arrived Here
The dispute originated in 2020, when Epic tried to circumvent Apple’s 30% App Store commission by adding its payment system to Fortnite. Apple immediately took the game off the App Store, which led to a series of lawsuits that have not yet concluded.
Whereas a court decision ultimately compelled Apple to permit third-party payment links, the road to reconciliation between the two firms remains bumpy. And now, Fortnite’s much-anticipated return to iOS in the U.S. has encountered a new hurdle, leaving players and developers caught in the middle.
Fortnite’s App Store Submission Stalls
On May 9, Epic had submitted Fortnite for review on the App Store, signaling its desire to restore the game for iOS users in the U.S. Normally, Apple claims to review 90% of apps in 24 hours. But days went by with no word, so Epic CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media to call out Apple directly.
Sweeney noted the hypocrisy that while Fortnite languishes in limbo, the App Store is still filled with several low-quality copies of the game. Apple did pull one especially obvious knockoff, but most others were still available, raising eyebrows about the fairness and transparency of the review process.
Behind the Scenes: Legal and Technical Friction
Things became worse when Apple informed Epic that it would postpone the review of Fortnite’s submission until the Ninth Circuit Court decides on Apple’s petition for a partial stay of the current injunction. Epic reacted swiftly by filing a motion to enforce the court’s order, claiming that Apple’s inaction contravenes both the letter and intent of the court’s order.
According to Epic, Apple’s delay is retaliation disguised as policy. The company claims that Apple insisted Fortnite be split into two separate app versions—one for the U.S. and one for other regions, which contradicts Apple’s guidelines against duplicate apps. In court filings, Epic argues that Apple is using administrative red tape to block Fortnite’s return despite previously assuring the court that the game would be approved if it met existing guidelines.
Apple, on its own behalf, indicates it will not revisit Epic’s developer account status or accept the Fortnite submission as long as there is ongoing litigation. Apple’s legal team, in a letter made public by Epic, recommended that the company pull its U.S. submission and instead target non-U.S. regions.
What This Means for Players
For Fortnite enthusiasts, the legal battle had tangible implications. A much-hyped mid-season update with Star Wars material—including the addition of General Grievous—was pushed back by 24 hours. Epic did not provide a reason, but many believe the App Store dispute was at play.
Sweeney subsequently confirmed the update had to be released on all platforms at the same time. Since the iOS version was held up, the app had to be resubmitted by Epic, in the hope of achieving its cross-platform release goal. Without Apple’s approval, though, iOS gamers are still prevented from playing the game’s latest version.
The Bigger Picture: Developer Rights and Platform Control
This next installment in the Apple-Epic saga raises deeper questions about digital platforms, developer freedom, and consumer choice. Epic has rolled out new features, like Webshops, that enable developers to sell content directly to users, avoiding app store commissions altogether. The company insists Apple lacks the power to prevent users from visiting external websites or directly participating in commerce.
Meanwhile, Apple’s draconian control of the App Store continues to be a source of controversy. Developers claim that policies are enforced arbitrarily, and that holdups like Fortnite’s are not just hurtful to specific companies but to the health of the overall mobile ecosystem.
What’s Next?
A May 27 court hearing may settle whether Apple is required to take action on Fortnite’s filing or if the judicial standoff continues. In the meantime, the game’s fate on iOS hangs in the balance.
For now, this much is certain: while two of the titans of tech duke it out in the courtroom, it’s the gamers who are left waiting.
