Epic Games Accuses Apple of Blocking Fortnite in U.S. and E.U. App Stores
In a dramatic twist in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple, the gaming giant has announced that Apple is blocking the latest submission of its highly popular game, Fortnite, from both the U.S. and E.U. App Stores. This move follows Epic’s recent legal triumph over Apple, where the court ruled in favor of allowing app developers to offer external payment options without incurring hefty commission fees. As a result, this new development raises significant concerns for both gamers and developers who thrive on the digital platform.
The Timeline of Events
After emerging victorious in a legal battle that secured pivotal changes in Apple’s U.S. App Store policies, Epic Games wasted no time and attempted to resubmit Fortnite on May 9, 2025. Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, expressed optimism that a new version of Fortnite could be reinstated swiftly. However, complications arose. Apple reportedly took a week to accept the submission, prompting Epic to withdraw its request. Sweeney explained that they needed to release a timely update due to the game’s weekly content additions.
On May 14, 2025, Epic Games made another attempt, submitting an updated version of Fortnite for review. However, it wasn’t long before the gaming community was informed of another setback.
Fortnite Blocked: A Worldwide Impact
In a post shared early on a Friday morning on X, the official Fortnite account revealed the alarming news: Apple had not only blocked the latest U.S. submission but also had restrictions in place preventing Epic from releasing the game in the European Union as well.
Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.
 Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 16, 2025
“Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it,†read the post, foreshadowing a global outage that would leave many dedicated players in limbo. This sudden stoppage not just affects Fortnite’s players but also has ramifications for the broader gaming ecosystem that relies on constant updates and improvements.
The Legal and Technical Implications
This conflict underscores the tension between major tech companies and game developers. Epic Games has been vocal about its stance against Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystems. The recent legal outcome appears to have set a precedent, yet the reality on the ground shows that challenges remain. For developers, the results of this confrontation are crucial; if Epic can’t navigate the submission process with Apple, other smaller developers may endure similar challenges when trying to introduce competitive apps into the marketplace.
In previous statements, experts have suggested that Apple is likely re-evaluating its strategies in light of recent judicial rulings. The outcome of this situation could redefine the landscape for app developers. A similar pattern has been seen across various sectors in tech, from streaming services to payment processors, where companies fight for fairer treatment in marketplace rules.
Looking Ahead
As of now, Epic Games is keen on resolving the issue and getting Fortnite back on track, but it remains to be seen how quickly Apple will respond. Epic has already reached out to Apple for clarification regarding the app’s submission, yet the silence from the tech giant raises questions about its commitment to updates and a fair marketplace for all developers.
This ongoing friction between Epic Games and Apple is a vital point of discussion not only for gamers engrossed in Fortnite but also for anyone invested in how app dynamics might evolve in the future. For more insights on the shifting landscape of app development, check out our articles on the latest trends in gaming.
In the meantime, players are left to wonder when they will be able to engage with their favorite game again, a situation prompting discussions about the future of mobile gaming under Apple’s restrictive guidelines. As the situation develops, both companies will need to consider the impact of their decisions on millions of users worldwide.