Stunned fans throughout the world were informed by Epic Games that Fortnite would not only be available in the United States but also elsewhere around the world on iOS. The problem lies in the Apple App Review process having rejected Epic’s newest submission for Fortnite, thereby preventing the long-awaited return of the game onto the App Store and Epic Games Store for iOS in the EU.
Though Epic has tried several times to get Fortnite reinstated - even going as far as resubmitting a newer build just this week - Apple has not given its approval to any version, leaving Fortnite's presence in mobile devices i.e. all iOS devices, abruptly halted throughout the world.
A history of conflict rekindled
The year is 2025, and the idea of alternative app stores, thanks to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), is far from being a reality, and the relationship between the two companies still remains bitter. Apple’s recent rejection of the chosen build for Fortnite reeks of a fresh stab, given that the wounds caused by victorious legal battles of yesteryear must surely still be fresh.
A Global Impact
What is unusual about this latest standoff is its global fallout. The fact that punishment was handed to Fortnite and forced to be removed from the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union, where alternative app stores were supposed to provide a workaround, is evidence that Apple is still a gatekeeper despite the new regulatory regimes.
Without Apple’s rejection, though, Fortnite could have returned to the U.S., where the App Store is still king; however, Apple has effectively blocked the return of Fortnite-namely in territories in which Epic expected to gain through the DMA reforms. For the players, that becomes a missed chance to enjoy the Star Wars-themed two-season content of “Galactic Battle,” including characters like Emperor Palpatine and exclusive lightsaber mechanics.
What’s next for Epic and players?
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney took it to social media, claiming Apple was deliberately stalling with no clear reason given. However, Apple was not made to respond and did offer no sort of explanation. Such lack of transparency and openness continue to feed criticisms against Apple's closed ecosystem and tight control of app distribution.
For now, the future of Fortnite on iOS is very much a big question mark. As another version of Epic and Apple is unfolding, mobile gamers are caught in the crossfire, looking and hoping for their favorite battle royale to make a triumphant return.
One thing is undeniable, there is still a lot to fight between Apple and Epic.
Though Epic has tried several times to get Fortnite reinstated - even going as far as resubmitting a newer build just this week - Apple has not given its approval to any version, leaving Fortnite's presence in mobile devices i.e. all iOS devices, abruptly halted throughout the world.
A history of conflict rekindled
The year is 2025, and the idea of alternative app stores, thanks to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), is far from being a reality, and the relationship between the two companies still remains bitter. Apple’s recent rejection of the chosen build for Fortnite reeks of a fresh stab, given that the wounds caused by victorious legal battles of yesteryear must surely still be fresh.
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
A Global Impact
What is unusual about this latest standoff is its global fallout. The fact that punishment was handed to Fortnite and forced to be removed from the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union, where alternative app stores were supposed to provide a workaround, is evidence that Apple is still a gatekeeper despite the new regulatory regimes.
Without Apple’s rejection, though, Fortnite could have returned to the U.S., where the App Store is still king; however, Apple has effectively blocked the return of Fortnite-namely in territories in which Epic expected to gain through the DMA reforms. For the players, that becomes a missed chance to enjoy the Star Wars-themed two-season content of “Galactic Battle,” including characters like Emperor Palpatine and exclusive lightsaber mechanics.
What’s next for Epic and players?
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney took it to social media, claiming Apple was deliberately stalling with no clear reason given. However, Apple was not made to respond and did offer no sort of explanation. Such lack of transparency and openness continue to feed criticisms against Apple's closed ecosystem and tight control of app distribution.
For now, the future of Fortnite on iOS is very much a big question mark. As another version of Epic and Apple is unfolding, mobile gamers are caught in the crossfire, looking and hoping for their favorite battle royale to make a triumphant return.
One thing is undeniable, there is still a lot to fight between Apple and Epic.
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