Epic Games asks judge to force Apple to approve Fortnite | TechCrunch
May 17, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Epic Games is intensifying its legal battle with Apple, seeking a court order to compel Apple to allow Fortnite back onto the U.S. App Store. This move follows a recent court ruling in Epic's favor, which found Apple in violation of an injunction related to anti-competitive pricing. Despite this victory, Apple plans to appeal the decision and has currently blocked Fortnite from its U.S. App Store, prompting Epic to halt the game's availability on its platform in Europe as well. Epic accuses Apple of punishing it for challenging its App Store policies and warns that this sends a discouraging message to other developers.
Apple, however, disputes Epic's claims, stating that it has not blocked Fortnite outside the U.S. and has requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront. Apple has decided to delay any action on Fortnite's app submission until the Ninth Circuit rules on its request for a partial stay of the new injunction. Epic argues that Apple's actions are denying it the benefits of the pro-competitive changes it helped bring about and are an attempt to maintain control over its App Store policies.
Key takeaways:
Epic Games is pressuring Apple to allow Fortnite back into the App Store through a new court filing.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers previously ruled that Apple was in "willful violation" of an injunction on anti-competitive pricing.
Apple plans to appeal the ruling and has blocked Fortnite from its U.S. App Store, affecting its availability worldwide.
Epic argues that Apple is punishing them and sending a message to other developers not to challenge its practices.
