Fortnite Goes Offline on Apple Devices Amid Ongoing Dispute
Epic Games’ popular battle royale game Fortnite has gone offline worldwide for Apple devices, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal battle between Epic and Apple. The game, which had already been unavailable to iPhone users in the United States, is now blocked globally, preventing millions of players from accessing it on iOS. Epic Games confirmed the shutdown, stating that Apple had rejected its latest submission to restore Fortnite to the App Store.
The dispute between the two companies dates back to 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced a direct payment system that bypassed Apple’s 30% commission fee. The legal battle that followed resulted in a court ruling that found Apple’s App Store policies to be anticompetitive, yet the conflict has persisted. Epic recently attempted to reintroduce Fortnite to iOS, but Apple has reportedly blocked the submission, citing compliance issues.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about the situation, accusing Apple of deliberately delaying the approval process. He stated that Fortnite will remain offline on iOS devices until Apple reverses its decision. The company had hoped to relaunch the game in the United States and Europe, but Apple’s rejection has halted those plans. While Fortnite remains available on other platforms, iOS users are left without access to the game.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into effect last year, requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS devices. Epic had planned to use this regulation to distribute Fortnite independently in Europe, but the game is currently unavailable there as well. Apple has denied claims that it removed Fortnite from alternative marketplaces, stating that Epic must resubmit its app update without including the U.S. storefront.
Industry analysts predict that the dispute could have significant financial implications for both companies. Epic Games, which reported 500 million registered users in 2023, stands to lose substantial revenue from the absence of Fortnite on iOS. Meanwhile, Apple faces increasing scrutiny over its App Store policies, with regulators and developers pushing for more competition and transparency in digital marketplaces.
As the standoff continues, Fortnite players on iOS remain in limbo, awaiting further developments. Epic Games has urged its community to stay informed and advocate for fair digital platform policies. Whether Apple will reconsider its decision remains uncertain, but the battle over Fortnite highlights broader tensions in the gaming and tech industries regarding app store regulations and developer rights.