Apple and Epic Games are once again embroiled in a dispute over Fortnite’s availability on iPhones. The company behind Fortnite claimed Apple took the game off the App Store in the U.S. and Europe. App Store and removed it in Europe. Apple denied these claims, saying it only asked for changes to how the game was submitted.
This is the latest clash in a legal battle that started in 2020. Back then, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store because Epic Games broke the rules by adding its own payment system. Since then, the two companies have been in court arguing over Apple’s control of the App Store.
The Fight Over Fortnite’s Return
Epic Games tried to bring Fortnite back to the App Store after a court ordered Apple to allow other payment options. But Apple rejected the submission, saying Epic Games did not follow the rules. Apple claims Epic tied the U.S. App Store update to changes in Europe, which caused confusion.
Apple told Bloomberg it did not block Fortnite globally. The company said it asked Epic to separate the U.S. and European updates to avoid problems. Epic Games refused, leading to the game staying off iPhones everywhere. Apple also noted Fortnite is still available in Europe through other app stores.
Why the Dispute Matters
This fight is about who controls how apps are sold on iPhones. Apple takes a 30% cut of sales made through the App Store. Epic Games says this is unfair and wants to use its own payment system to avoid paying Apple. Courts have instructed Apple to let players install alternatives, but the exact guidelines remain uncertain.
Gamers in the U.S. are unable to access Fortnite on their iPhones. Players in Europe can still obtain the game from the Epic Games Store, though its updates are held up by the legal dispute.
What Happened in Court
In April 2025, a judge ruled Apple did not fully follow an earlier order to allow outside payment links. The judge made Apple’s rules stricter, which Epic Games thought meant Fortnite could return. But Apple says Epic lost its right to the App Store when it broke the rules in 2020.
Apple is appealing the court’s decision. Until the legal process ends, Apple does not have to let Fortnite back into the U.S. App Store.
What Epic Games Says
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney accused Apple of abusing its power. He said Apple is making it hard for Fortnite to return, even though the court ordered changes. Sweeney claims Apple’s actions hurt competition and free speech.
Apple says Epic Games is trying to get special treatment. The company argues Epic wants to use the App Store without paying fees, which all other developers must do.
How This Affects iPhone Users
Fortnite fans in the U.S. have not been able to play the game on iPhones since 2020. The longer the legal fight goes on, the less likely it is that the game will return soon. Players can still use gaming consoles or Android devices, but many prefer Apple’s ecosystem.
In Europe, new laws let companies like Epic Games create their own app stores. This is why Fortnite is available there. But in the U.S., Apple’s App Store remains the only option for iPhone users.
The Bigger Picture
This fight is part of a larger debate over how much control Apple should have over its devices. There is increasing pressure from national governments for bigger companies to ease restrictions, but those businesses warn that strict oversight may lead to compromised security and reduced product quality. At the moment, there’s no indication that the dispute between Apple and Epic Games will be settled anytime soon. At this point, Apple and Epic aren’t moving, leaving gamers squeezed in between the two corporations.
