Fortnite’s Return to the iOS App Store Hits Another Roadblock

Epic Games is once again facing hurdles in their ongoing quest to bring Fortnite back to the iOS App Store in the United States. After waiting over 120 hours without a response, the company had to pull and resubmit their application, further delaying the game’s anticipated return. The saga of Fortnite on iOS has been tumultuous ever since it was removed from the App Store in August 2020 due to Epic’s dispute with Apple over in-game purchase commissions. This monumental clash resulted in nearly five years of legal battles, ultimately resulting in a ruling that favored Epic Games.

The Latest Developments

In a recent announcement on May 1, 2025, Epic Games confirmed that Fortnite would return to the iOS App Store “next week.” Anticipation grew as the company submitted a request for review to Apple on May 9. However, after nearly a week of silence, Epic found themselves with no option but to retract their submission and start over. This situation is particularly urgent for Epic, as they aim to roll out the Fortnite v35.10 update by May 16.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media on May 14 to explain the situation. “We need to release a weekly Fortnite update with new content this Friday, and all platforms must update simultaneously,” he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Sweeney announced that they had to cancel the previous version submitted for Apple’s review and resubmit a new one to meet their tight schedule.

Apple’s Review Process and Implications

The delays have sparked discussions about the efficiency of Apple’s review process. According to Apple’s own website, “90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours.” Given this statistic, Epic Games had expected to receive approval in time for their update. However, after five days, the lack of response was unusual, leading to Sweeney’s criticism of the current state of app approval processes.

“Our release planning relies on platforms supporting app developers like us to release apps,” Sweeney noted in a response to a fan’s query regarding the delay. He further emphasized the challenges faced by rapidly evolving, multi-platform games like Fortnite when external factors hinder their operational timelines.

What Lies Ahead?

With the Fortnite app now essentially back at square one in Apple’s App Review, fans may face a longer wait before the game makes its comeback on iOS. This ongoing saga underscores the constant battle between developers and platform holders, particularly regarding the future of app store regulations and the conditions under which updates are approved.

Epic Games remains committed to ensuring that Fortnite remains a top-tier experience across all platforms. As fans eagerly await the game’s return to the iOS platform, many are left wondering how Apple will adapt to the pressures from developers in the ever-changing tech landscape.

In conclusion, as Fortnite navigates this complex web of app store dynamics and corporate policies, players can only hope for a swift resolution. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story, especially as the game aims for a substantial presence across platforms once again.

For more insights on the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple, check our pages on the legal controversies, Epic Games, and the latest Fortnite updates.