Fortnite Tussle Continues: iPhone Showdown Between Epic Games and Apple
Digital game Fortnite will no longer be available for download in European app markets.
San Francisco - The popular game, "Fortnite," remains inaccessible on iPhones across the globe, as Epic Games and Apple's ongoing squabble persists. This latest predicament stems from Epic's ploy to restore the game to Apple's United States App Store following a court ruling.
Epic opted to submit a united version for the US market and European Union to Apple for inspection. However, Apple is reluctant, choosing to hold off on decisions until the outcome of their ongoing US court battle. Consequently, the app remains out of the American App Store, prompting Epic to announce "Fortnite's" continued absence on iPhones worldwide until Apple lifts the ban.
Apple maintains that it has not implemented any measures against the previously operating version in Europe. However, Epic was requested to forgo placement within the US App Store for the new version to avoid affecting the game elsewhere.
Court Battle to Reinstate Fortnite in US Store
Epic is utilizing a California court to pressure Apple to reintroduce Fortnite to the American App Store. The judge recently adjudged that Apple could not bar developers from directing users to payments outside of its native system. Apple counters, emphasizing the disagreement concerning the game's return to the US store after the legal proceedings conclude.
Behind the Dispute
This conflict commenced in August 2020 when Epic surreptitiously integrated a Fortnite version into the App Store that allowed users to buy digital goods directly from Epic, bypassing Apple's payment system and its 30% commission. Apple promptly removed the game, and a subsequent court decision favored Apple. Last year, "Fortnite" resurfaced on the iPhone through alternative app stores that Apple was compelled to authorize due to Europe's Digital Markets Act[1, 2, 3].
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[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-10/epic-offers-compromise-in-apple-dispute-as-judge-mulls-death-knell[2] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10377717/Apple-reactivates-Fortnite-dispute-Epic-Games-move-China.html[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-29/europes-digital-markets-act-woes-face-big-test-with-prohibition-of-apple-rules[4] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/03/29/apple-allow-epic-games-fortnite-return-us-app-store/[5] https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/03/29375842/epic-games-says-apple-banning-fortnite-from-comeback-as-california-judge-mandates-unified-code
- Epic Games' ongoing dispute with Apple has led to the unavailability of the popular game, "Fortnite," on smartphones, specifically iPhones, due to the absence of the app on Apple's United States App Store and EU App Store.
- As Epic Games continue to challenge Apple in court to reinstate Fortnite on iPhones, the global tech industry is closely watching the developments, especially those involved in gadgets and technology, as this case could set a significant precedent for app store policies and digital marketplaces.
