Epic Games has reported that Apple is currently blocking the return of Fortnite to the iOS App Store in both the United States and the European Union, despite recent legal developments intended to give developers more flexibility in how they distribute and monetize apps.
Highlights
On May 9, 2025, Epic submitted a new version of Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, aiming to relaunch the popular game on iOS after a legal victory that allows developers to link to alternative payment systems.
However, after receiving no approval or response from Apple within the following week, Epic temporarily withdrew the submission. The company cited its global content synchronization model, which requires weekly updates to be deployed simultaneously across all platforms.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney explained that this was a routine measure to maintain consistency across all platforms where Fortnite is available.
A new version of the app, containing updated content, was resubmitted on May 14. According to Epic, this version was explicitly blocked by Apple, not only in the United States but also in the EU region.
A post from Fortnite’s official X account stated, “Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.” The situation has left iOS users unable to access Fortnite globally, including those who had previously used alternative installation methods.
Apple’s Rejection and Global Impact
The blocked submission is the latest chapter in a long-standing conflict between Epic Games and Apple. Fortnite was originally removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic implemented its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission.
Although courts have since ruled that developers may direct users to external payment methods, Apple has retained control over which apps are approved for its store.
As a result of the latest rejection, Fortnite remains unavailable on all iOS devices, impacting millions of players worldwide. No alternative distribution method is currently available for iPhone or iPad users in the affected regions.
Developer Account Workaround and the Role of EU Regulation
Epic used a developer account registered under its Swedish subsidiary to submit the app, due to the termination of its U.S. developer account in 2020.
This move was intended to leverage the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires Apple to allow third-party app store access and alternative distribution methods within the EU.
Despite the DMA’s provisions, Apple’s continued rejection of Fortnite‘s resubmission suggests there may be ongoing disagreements about the law’s implementation and enforcement. Apple has not publicly detailed its rationale for blocking the app.
Epic’s Proposal and Apple’s Silence
Following the favorable U.S. court ruling, Tim Sweeney proposed that Epic would end all current and future litigation regarding in-app payments if Apple extended the court’s framework globally.
As of now, Apple has not issued a public response to that proposal, and the restrictions on Fortnite remain in place.
Legal and Industry Implications
The current situation raises questions about how effectively court decisions and regulatory frameworks—such as the DMA—can be enforced when major platform holders retain final approval over app distribution.
While legal rulings have granted developers greater control over payment systems, app store access remains tightly managed.
As of now, neither Epic Games nor Apple has offered a detailed public explanation of the current status. Until further developments occur, Fortnite remains inaccessible to iOS users in both the U.S. and EU.
