Fortnite Vanishes from iPhones Worldwide as Apple-Epic Feud Escalates

The immensely popular video game Fortnite has been rendered inaccessible on iPhones and iPads worldwide, following Apple's decision to block Epic Games' latest submission to the US App Store and the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union.

In a statement on May 16, 2025, Epic Games announced that Apple's rejection has effectively halted Fortnite's availability on iOS devices globally, leaving millions of players unable to access the battle royale game.

"Sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it," the statement read, underscoring the severity of the latest development in a contentious, years-long dispute between the two industry giants.

Apple’s Response and Ongoing Tensions

Apple countered Epic's claims, stating it had requested Epic Sweden, a subsidiary of Epic Games, to resubmit the app update without including the US storefront to avoid impacting Fortnite's availability in other regions.

According to Apple, it took no action to remove the existing version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces. However, Epic Games insists that Apple's broader restrictions have led to a worldwide iOS blackout for the game.

Recent updates indicate that Apple's decision may be tied to stricter App Store compliance requirements introduced in early 2025, aimed at ensuring uniformity across global markets. Developers are debating Apple's control over app distribution due to these requirements.

ALSO READ | Fortnite Storms Back to US App Store After Epic Legal Victory Over Apple

A Legal Battle Rooted in Payments

The roots of this conflict trace back to 2020, when Epic Games filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple in the US, accusing the tech giant of exploiting its App Store dominance to impose excessive fees on developers.

A 2021 ruling by District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers largely favored Apple but mandated that the company allow links to alternative payment systems, challenging Apple's exclusive in-app payment model and its 30% commission structure.

Apple responded by implementing a new system in 2024 that permitted alternative payment links but still levied a 27% commission on external transactions, prompting Epic to allege non-compliance with the court's directive.

Court Rulings and Regulatory Shifts

The legal saga intensified in April 2025, when Judge Gonzalez Rogers held Apple in civil contempt for violating the 2021 court order banning Apple from collecting commissions on alternative payment systems.

This ruling was expected to pave the way for Fortnite's return to the US App Store, a move Epic Games eagerly anticipated. Meanwhile, in the EU, Fortnite was slated to launch on the Epic Games Store for iOS, enabled by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forced Apple to allow third-party app stores in 2024.

However, Apple's recent rejection has stalled these plans, leaving European players in limbo. Real-time data from tech news sites suggests that the EU is closely monitoring this dispute, with potential regulatory action looming if Apple is found to be stifling competition.

Did You Know?
Fortnite, launched in 2017, has generated over $20 billion in revenue, making it one of the most lucrative video games in history, despite its free-to-play model relying heavily on in-app purchases.

Industry Impact and Player Frustration

The Fortnite blackout has caused a stir in the gaming community, as players have expressed their frustration on social media platforms. The absence of Fortnite on iOS devices could push players toward competing platforms like Android or PC, where the game remains accessible.

Industry analysts note that this dispute highlights broader tensions between app store operators and developers, as companies like Epic push for greater control over monetization.

Some reports indicate that Epic is exploring partnerships with alternative app stores to bypass Apple's restrictions, though no concrete plans have been confirmed as of May 17, 2025.

ALSO READ | Fortnite’s Triumphant Return to App Store: Epic CEO Calls Victory ‘Priceless’ After 5-Year Battle

What’s Next for Fortnite and Apple?

The future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for resolution. Epic Games has vowed to continue its legal fight, while Apple maintains that its App Store policies prioritize user security and platform integrity.

The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how app stores interact with developers globally, influencing policies on payments, commissions, and third-party distribution. For now, the high-stakes showdown between two tech titans is leaving iOS users waiting.