Fortnite Banned Again on Apple Devices Despite Court Win: What's Going On?

In a surprising twist, Fortnite has once again been banned from iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices in both the United States and the European Union. This development comes even after Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, recently scored a significant legal victory against Apple in their long-running legal battle.
Why Is Fortnite Unavailable on iOS?
According to a recent report by Fortune, Epic Games confirmed via a social media post that Fortnite on iOS is currently offline worldwide. The company stated:
“Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.”
This means players using iPhones, iPads, or any device that runs on Apple's iOS will not be able to download or update Fortnite from the App Store.
What Caused the Latest Ban?
The conflict stems from Apple not approving the latest version of the Fortnite app submitted by Epic Games. The update included the game’s weekly content refresh, which is crucial for keeping the experience fresh and aligned with other platforms.
While Apple's App Store guidelines state that 90% of app submissions are reviewed within 24 hours, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney noted that their recent submission had not yet been approved.
Apple responded with a statement suggesting that the issue could have been avoided. A company spokesperson said:
“We asked that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront of the App Store so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies... We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces.”
A Battle That Began in 2020
The feud between Apple and Epic Games dates back to August 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic introduced a workaround that allowed users to buy the in-game currency, V-Bucks, directly through Epic—bypassing Apple’s mandatory 30% commission on in-app purchases.
This move sparked a high-profile legal showdown over monopoly power, app store control, and developer freedom, with global implications for how digital marketplaces operate.
Recent Legal Ruling: Apple Broke the Rules
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple for failing to comply with a 2021 injunction. The order had required Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods outside of the App Store.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated that Apple’s compliance efforts:
“Strained incredulity.”
She also concluded that Apple had violated the court’s orders and was engaging in anti-competitive practices by maintaining its control over in-app purchases. Most notably, the judge emphasized:
“Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated.”
In a dramatic turn, the judge also raised serious concerns about Apple’s courtroom conduct, recommending that federal prosecutors investigate whether Apple and its VP of Finance, Alex Roman, should be charged with criminal contempt for allegedly lying under oath.
Can You Still Play Fortnite Elsewhere?
Yes. Fortnite is still fully accessible on other platforms, including:
-
Android
-
Windows PCs
-
Xbox
-
PlayStation
-
Nintendo Switch
-
GeForce NOW (cloud gaming)
So, while iOS users are currently sidelined, the Fortnite universe continues to thrive elsewhere.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t I play Fortnite on my iPhone or iPad right now?
A: Fortnite has been blocked from iOS devices because Apple has not yet approved the latest app version submitted by Epic Games.
Q: Is Fortnite still available on Android or other platforms?
A: Yes. Fortnite remains fully available on Android and all major consoles and PC platforms.
Final Thoughts
The Apple vs. Epic Games battle is far from over, and this latest standoff shows just how deeply rooted the conflict remains. For now, iOS users will need to sit tight as the legal and technical wrangling continues. With Fortnite’s global popularity and legal pressure mounting, it’s only a matter of time before the next chapter unfolds.
Stay tuned—this is a game neither side seems ready to quit.
Comments
Post a Comment