Fans of Epic Games’ Fortnite may have to wait even longer for the game to return to Apple devices, if it ever does. Following a scathing ruling against Apple in response to a lawsuit by Epic Games, CEO Tim Sweeney promised a quick return of Fortnite to the App Store. However, it seems that Sweeney’s optimism was premature.
Despite Epic Games resubmitting Fortnite to the App Store the following week, Sweeney overlooked a crucial point – the company was removed from the App Store in 2020 for breaching its developer agreement, a fact not addressed in the recent court ruling. This led many to doubt Apple’s willingness to allow Fortnite back on the platform. Ultimately, Fortnite was resubmitted through a developer account in Sweden, following the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Apple, however, rejected Epic’s submission and blocked Fortnite on iPhones and iPads in the European Union, where it was distributed through Epic’s own app marketplace. This move came after a series of legal battles between the two companies.
Despite Epic Games’ efforts, Apple’s stance against allowing Fortnite back on the App Store remains firm. The legal battle between the two companies has seen Apple largely prevailing, with only a few concessions made.
While the court ruling did not specifically address Epic Games’ right to be on the App Store, Apple’s actions suggest a reluctance to reinstate Fortnite. The removal of the game from third-party EU marketplaces further complicates the situation, with potential unintended consequences for users.
It remains to be seen how the ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic Games will unfold, but for now, Fortnite remains unavailable on Apple devices in the EU.
