Epic Games has taken a significant step in its ongoing battle with Apple by submitting its popular game, Fortnite, to the U.S. App Store on May 9, 2025. If Apple approves the submission, it will mark the first time Fortnite has been available to iPhone and iPad users in the United States since the game was banned in 2020.
This latest version of Fortnite will allow players to purchase in-app currency from the web instead of relying on in-app purchases, a key issue that led to the initial conflict between Epic Games and Apple. In a tweet, Fortnite announced, "We’ve submitted Fortnite to Apple for review so we can launch on the App Store in the U.S." This development comes after a series of legal disputes that have shaped the digital marketplace.
Since Epic Games' U.S. developer account has been banned since 2020 due to the legal battle, the company is utilizing its Swedish developer account to submit Fortnite to the App Store. Epic created this Swedish account last year to facilitate the launch of an Epic Games app marketplace in the European Union, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has indicated that the company has communicated with Apple regarding this submission. While he did not confirm whether Apple approved this approach, he expressed optimism, stating he would be "very surprised" if Apple chose to block a major app like Fortnite from its platform. This sentiment reflects the complicated dynamics of the ongoing legal and regulatory environment surrounding app distribution.
During the previous legal proceedings, Apple was not mandated to allow Fortnite back into the App Store, and it was determined that Apple had the right to terminate Epic's account. However, the current situation is different, as Apple is now required to permit developers to direct customers to purchase options outside of the App Store. This ruling has opened the door for Epic Games to explore alternative revenue streams.
Despite the potential for rejection, industry observers suggest that Apple may be hesitant to deny the Fortnite submission, especially given the implications it could have on the ongoing legal case overseen by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Apple has already allowed external purchasing links in other applications, including Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon, which further complicates the company's position.
In a recent development, Apple filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking to pause the enforcement of a ruling that it claims would require significant changes to its App Store operations. The company has requested that the court allow it to charge fees for purchases made through external links while the appeals process is underway. Apple is hoping for a ruling from the appeals court by May 28, 2025. Until then, the current App Store link changes will remain in effect.
This ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple highlights the evolving landscape of digital marketplaces and the challenges developers face when navigating platform policies. With Fortnite's potential return to the App Store, all eyes are on Apple as it decides whether to approve the submission, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the future of app distribution.
