Epic urges court to compel Apple to restore Fortnite to the US App Store

Epic is urging a U.S. court to compel Apple to restore Fortnite to the American App Store. The request comes amid an ongoing legal battle between the two companies over app store policies and the game’s removal from Apple’s platform.

Rising Tensions Between Epic Games and Apple

Over the past few years, the dispute between Epic Games and Apple has grown increasingly complex and public. At the heart of this ongoing saga lies the contentious issue of the App Store’s terms and, more specifically, the commission system that governs in-app payments. This feud, which has already resulted in a headline-making trial, has most recently escalated before the District Court for Northern California. There, Epic submitted what it called a « second motion to enforce injunction », urging judicial intervention to compel Apple to promptly review the reintroduction of Fortnite on its platforms—so long as submission requirements are met.

Divergent Strategies and Legal Maneuvering

The standoff intensified following a court order obtained by Epic Games, which required Apple to stop collecting commissions from payments made outside its own platform, while also forcing it to allow external links within apps. Despite this, according to filings by Epic, their attempts to reinstate Fortnite, both in the United States and across the European Union, have been rejected by Apple.

In response, Apple‘s legal team moved quickly. The company communicated directly with the game publisher, stating that no decision regarding app reinstatement would occur before the Ninth Circuit rules on its request for partial suspension of the new injunction. Additionally—and much to the frustration of its rival—Apple demanded two separate submissions for American and European markets.

Acrimony Over Rules and Public Outcry

These demands have not gone unnoticed or unchallenged. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Epic Games‘ executives publicly criticized what they see as inconsistency: requiring duplicate versions for different regions appears to contradict existing Apple policies prohibiting such duplication. According to them: « This blocks our update from launching in Europe as well as in the United States. » They maintain their latest submission fully complies with all relevant store requirements.

Moreover, in formal court documents, Epic Games‘ lawyers described this approach as a « blatant retaliation against Epic for challenging Apple’s anticompetitive practices and exposing its falsehoods before the Court, resulting in both injunction and contempt judgment. »

The Uncertain Future of Fortnite on iOS

For added complexity, while defending its position, Apple has appealed in an effort to overturn restrictions on off-platform commissions. The tech giant also filed an emergency motion arguing these constraints would result in « substantial » annual losses.

As it stands—despite exhaustive legal maneuvering from both sides—there is no clear indication if or when players will once again access Fortnite via iOS devices. The stalemate continues; industry observers wait for a breakthrough that may remain elusive for some time yet.