Fortnite unavailable on Apple devices worldwide

Sharjah24 - AFP: The hit game "Fortnite" was unavailable on Apple's digital App Store globally on Friday, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Epic Games and Apple. While iPhone users in the U.S. had already lost access, the ban now affects players worldwide.

Epic Games' response

Epic Games announced on X that Apple had blocked their submission for Fortnite, stating, "Sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it." Apple clarified that it requested Epic to resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront to avoid impacting users in other regions.

The ongoing battle

Epic Games has long contested the commissions imposed by tech giants on software downloads through official app stores like Apple's iOS and Google's Android. Despite some legal victories, Epic accused Apple of delaying the vetting process for Fortnite's re-listing.

Legal background

Epic's legal battles with Apple began in 2021 when Fortnite was banned from the App Store for attempting to circumvent Apple's payment system. A judge ruled that the App Store's practices were anticompetitive, yet the conflict persists, with a recent federal judge stating that Apple has not complied with a prior order to allow alternative payment methods.

Impact on revenue streams

Apple is focused on growing its services business, which now generates over a quarter of its revenue. The company sought to delay a court order preventing it from charging commissions on transactions outside the App Store. Changes to the App Store could allow app developers to use alternative payment systems, a move Epic views as a chance for developers to escape Apple’s fees.

As the situation develops, Epic continues to seek inclusion for Fortnite in the App Store, while Apple navigates the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding app distribution and revenue models.