Epic Games' ongoing legal battle with Apple over Fortnite's availability on iOS devices has escalated, with Epic accusing Apple of obstructing its latest attempt to reintroduce the game to the U.S. App Store. This development follows a significant court ruling earlier this month, where Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, confidently announced Fortnite's imminent return to iOS devices in the U.S.
On April 30, a U.S. Federal District Court in California ruled that Apple had willfully violated a court order in the Epic Games v. Apple case. The order mandated Apple to allow developers to provide alternative in-app purchase options, a decision stemming from Epic's desire to bypass the standard 30% store fees and utilize its own Epic Games Store on mobile platforms. This long-standing dispute, which dates back to 2020, resulted in Fortnite's removal from iOS, costing Epic billions in lost revenue.
Despite Sweeney's earlier assurances, Fortnite's return to iOS has been thwarted. Epic issued a statement to IGN, revealing that Apple has blocked their latest submission, preventing the game's release on the U.S. App Store and the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. As a result, Fortnite remains offline worldwide on iOS until Apple lifts the block.
Epic's Tim Sweeney remains resolute in his fight against Apple and Google, viewing the battle as a crucial investment in Epic and Fortnite's future. His determination is evident in his recent tweet directed at Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, urging him to reconsider the decision and allow Fortnite back on iOS devices.
Hi Tim. How about if you let our mutual customers access Fortnite? Just a thought.
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) May 15, 2025
Following the court's ruling, Apple faced further legal repercussions. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers referred Apple and its vice president of finance, Alex Roman, to federal prosecutors for a criminal contempt investigation, citing Apple's non-compliance with the court order. The judge emphasized that "this is an injunction, not a negotiation," and criticized Roman's testimony as misleading.
In response, Apple expressed strong disagreement with the court's decision but affirmed its intention to comply while simultaneously appealing the ruling. Last week, Apple requested a pause on the ruling from the U.S. appeals court, signaling its continued resistance in the Epic Games case.
