Apple Blocks Fortnite's Return, Leaving iOS Gamers in Limbo

Published 18 hours agoAAPL

Apple Blocks Fortnite's Return, Leaving iOS Gamers in Limbo

Apple has blocked the return of Fortnite to the App Store, making it unavailable on iOS devices worldwide. Epic Games announced that Apple rejected its latest submission, preventing the game’s release not only in the U.S. but also on the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union.

This move marks the latest chapter in the ongoing legal tug-of-war that started in 2020 when Epic accused Apple of antitrust violations over its 30% commission on in-app purchases. According to Reuters, despite a 2021 court ruling that required Apple to allow alternative in-app payment options, Apple introduced a new system with a revised 27% commission rate, leading to further legal disputes. Recently, a judge ruled against Apple’s practices, forbidding them from collecting commissions via these alternative systems.

Meanwhile, Epic Games has been encouraging users to utilize its own payment system, offering a 20% rebate in Epic Rewards to steer users away from Apple’s payment model. While Epic battles for these changes, iOS users remain caught in the crossfire, stuck with outdated Fortnite versions and limited access. As the dispute carries on, it leaves the gaming community waiting for a resolution.

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