Epic Games Asks Judge to Compel Apple to Bring Fortnite Back to U.S. App Store
The clash between Epic Games and Apple has intensified as Epic filed a new motion requesting a judge to compel Apple to allow Fortnite back onto the U.S. App Store.
In the court filing submitted to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Epic argues that Apple is deliberately blocking a compliant version of Fortnite, in violation of recent pro-competition rulings. The request follows a legal victory for Epic last month, when Judge Rogers ruled that Apple had “willfully violated” a prior injunction by continuing to restrict alternative payment options within apps.
Apple vs. Epic: The Saga Continues
Despite the ruling, Apple announced its intention to appeal the decision. According to Epic, the company has since prevented Fortnite from launching on the U.S. App Store and is also obstructing its rollout through the Epic Games Store in Europe.
In response to the blockage, Epic released a statement:
“Fortnite on iOS will remain offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.”
However, Apple has contested this version of events. According to Apple attorney Mark A. Perry, the company simply requested that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update excluding the U.S. storefront, to avoid complications related to ongoing appeals.
In a letter shared by Epic, Perry stated that Apple will not act on the Fortnite app submission until the Ninth Circuit rules on Apple’s motion for a partial stay of the injunction.
Epic Alleges Retaliation
Epic claims Apple is retaliating by denying access to a market Epic fought to open, sending a signal to other developers not to challenge its dominance. The company’s legal team argues this tactic amounts to punishment, stifling competition despite the court’s efforts to level the playing field.
“Apple is punishing Epic by shutting it out of the very market it has fought so hard to open,” the filing reads.
This legal battle — which began in 2020 — has become a landmark case in the debate over app store monopolies, in-app purchase commissions, and developer rights. Fortnite was originally removed from the App Store when Epic attempted to bypass Apple’s 30% commission fee by launching its own in-app payment system.
While the courts have previously sided partially with Apple, the latest developments may shift the momentum back toward Epic — if the judge decides to enforce the reinstatement of Fortnite during the appeal process.
