Epic Alleges Apple Blocks Fortnite's US Return

Epic's ongoing legal clash with Apple regarding Fortnite's iOS future has escalated, with the gaming giant alleging Apple deliberately blocked its App Store submission - preventing Fortnite's return to U.S. iPhones.

Just weeks ago, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confidently stated Fortnite would reappear on iOS devices following a landmark court decision favoring developers' rights.

Earlier this year, IGN detailed how Sweeney poured billions into battling Apple and Google's app store policies. The gaming mogul framed this as a strategic investment, declaring Epic financially prepared for decades of courtroom warfare.

The core conflict remains unchanged: Epic refuses to surrender 30% of mobile revenue to platform holders. Their vision? Running Fortnite through an independent Epic Games Store, free from Apple and Google's fees. This principled stand saw Fortnite vanish from iOS devices in 2020.

Despite Sweeney's assurances of Fortnite's imminent iOS comeback, the game remains conspicuously absent. Epic recently confirmed Apple blocked their submission:

"Apple prevented our Fortnite submission, halting releases both in the U.S. App Store and our planned EU iOS store. Consequently, Fortnite remains unavailable worldwide on Apple devices."

The standoff continues costing Epic dearly, with billions potentially lost during Fortnite's iPhone absence. Undeterred, Sweeney's taken his frustration public with a pointed tweet directed at Apple's leadership:

"Hi Tim. Consider this - why not let our shared player base access Fortnite? Simple suggestion."

Hi Tim. Consider this - why not let our shared player base access Fortnite? Simple suggestion.
- Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) May 15, 2025

The situation grew legally perilous for Apple when Judge Rogers referred them for contempt investigations, stating:

"Apple's persistent anti-competitive behavior violates our injunction. This isn't open for negotiation - willful defiance carries consequences."

The judge specifically implicated Apple finance VP Alex Roman for providing false testimony regarding compliance efforts. Apple maintains its innocence:

"We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will pursue appeals while adhering to current rulings."

The tech giant recently sought appellate intervention to pause enforcement of the Epic decision.