Apple blocks Fortnite's return to iOS after court decision

The dispute between Apple and Epic Games continues to directly affect the future of Fortnite on iOS devices. Despite a recent court decision in favor of Epic, Apple blocked the game's latest submission to the App Store, preventing its release in both the United States and the European Union, where the Epic Games Store for iOS would also be launched. As a result, the global return of Fortnite to iOS is suspended indefinitely.

"Apple blocked our Fortnite submission, so we can't release it on the US App Store or on the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Unfortunately, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it," posted the official Fortnite profile on X (formerly Twitter) on May 10, 2025.

Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, claims that Apple is deliberately delaying the review process. After submitting the application on May 9, Epic went days without a response — contrary to Apple's own documentation, which states that they review 90% of submissions within 24 hours. According to Sweeney, after a mandatory update, the company needed to withdraw the previous submission and resubmit it on May 14, further increasing the delay.

"We need to release a weekly update with new content this Friday, and all platforms must update simultaneously," explained Sweeney. "A constantly evolving multiplatform game cannot operate if platforms use their power to obstruct developers."

"Apple's app review team should be free to promptly review all apps and accept or reject based on guidelines. Review should not be used by management as a tool to delay or obstruct competition, due process, or freedom of expression," he concluded.

The tension between the two companies has been ongoing since 2020, when Epic violated the App Store guidelines by implementing a direct payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple's 30% fee. Since then, the legal battle has involved various instances, conflicting decisions, and antitrust measures.

The most recent situation occurred after Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued an injunction requiring Apple to allow developers to offer alternative payment methods. The decision includes a referral for investigation into possible violation of a previous court order. Apple, in turn, disagreed with the decision and stated they will appeal.

Meanwhile, players awaiting the return of Fortnite to iOS — especially with the Epic Games Store launching in the EU via the DMA (Digital Markets Act) — remain without access. Epic argues that the situation not only harms their business but the entire multiplatform gaming ecosystem that relies on simultaneous updates.