After relenting, Apple has approved Epic Games’ resubmission of Fortnite, making the popular online game available once again in the US App Store. This marks the first time Fortnite has been accessible on the iOS App Store since 2020.
Apple had delayed the approval process for Fortnite’s return to the App Store until US District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers threatened to require high-ranking Apple executives to appear in court if they continued to delay. This prompted Apple to take action and approve Fortnite for release.
Although Apple initially stated they wouldn’t take action on the app submission until a pending request for a partial stay of the new injunction was ruled on, Epic Games claimed that Apple had previously assured them of approval as long as the game complied with guidelines.
Following Apple’s refusal to approve Fortnite for the App Store last week, Epic Games filed a court motion asking Judge Rogers to compel Apple to approve the submission. The ruling only applies to the US App Store, allowing US-based players to purchase in-app currency through the Epic Games website.
Apple has appealed the ruling that requires them to allow developers to link customers to outside app and content purchase options without charging a commission. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision, calling it a win for app developer and consumer rights.
Despite the legal battle costing Epic Games over $1 billion, Sweeney believes it was worth it. The company estimates it lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue during the time Fortnite was unavailable on the App Store.
