Apple has blocked Fortnite on iPhones in both the US and EU.
Epic CEO claims Apple is weaponizing its app review process to delay Fortnite’s release.
The dispute began when Epic bypassed Apple’s payment system in 2020.
Epic Games announced on Friday that Apple has blocked the popular video game Fortnite on iPhones in the United States and through Epic Games’ own app store in the European Union. This means that Fortnite players will be unable to access the game on iOS devices worldwide until Apple lifts the ban. Notably, Fortnite has been available to iPhone users in Europe since August 2024 thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which allows third-party app stores on iOS.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Epic CEO Tim Sweeney stated that Apple’s App Review team is free to review all submitted apps and accept or reject them based on the plain language of their guidelines. However, he added that the tech giant has “weaponised” its App Review process to delay the update’s release. Apple has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
Apple vs Epic Game Studio feud: What is it about
The conflict between two has started in 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store for violating its payment policies at the time as Epic introduced an external payment method. However, it was later ruled in favor of allowing third-party payment options by the EU court, and the game was allowed back last year.
Earlier this month, Epic Games resubmitted a new version of the game on May 9 through Epic Games Sweden. While the review process byb Apple usually takes around 24 hours, it is yet to get any response from Apple even after more than 120 hours. Epic says it pulled the submission and refiled it with a more recent version of the game. So, it is speculated that Apple might have blocked the game on App store. Apple is yet to give any statement on the same.
Follow Us
Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
