Apple escalates tensions with Epic Games, blocks Fortnite globally

Apple makes a decisive move to remove Fortnite from iPhone globally.

According to The Verge , the never-ending war between Apple and Epic Games has once again heated up when the 'bitten apple' officially blocked the blockbuster game Fortnite 's attempt to return to the App Store. Notably, this move not only caused Fortnite to disappear from iPhones and iPads in the US but also made it inaccessible to the gaming community in the European Union (EU), despite the region's new regulations that seemed to be a 'lifesaver' for Epic Games.

Apple blocks Fortnite game globally

In a frustrating announcement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Epic Games bitterly admitted: "Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release it to the US App Store or the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union." The immediate consequence is that " Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it," the company added, leaving millions of players in an uncertain waiting situation.

Fortnite is no longer available on iOS

PHOTO: THE VERGE SCREENSHOT

The Verge has also stepped in and confirmed the situation. Accordingly, Fortnite is no longer available for download on iOS from the Epic Games Store or even on the alternative app store AltStore PAL in the EU - platforms that are considered 'back doors' for gamers in this region. This raises a big question: Did Apple directly intervene to block Fortnite on third-party stores, or did Epic Games itself proactively pull the game from these platforms after Apple's decision? Currently, both sides have not made an official comment to clarify the issue.

Fortnite made a comeback in the EU last year through third-party app stores, thanks to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forced Apple to loosen its grip, allowing rival app stores to exist on its iOS operating system.

Epic's move to resubmit Fortnite to the US App Store follows a recent landmark court ruling that barred Apple from restricting developers from linking to third-party payment systems - one of the core causes of the long-running legal battle between the two tech giants. Apple had suspended its US developer account in 2020 after Epic Games deliberately violated its rules by integrating its own payment system, so the game company had to use its EU developer account to resubmit the app this time.

Fortnite iOS gamers are left in an uncertain wait

PHOTO: PCMAG SCREENSHOT

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney also expressed his frustration. He revealed that he had pulled the old version of Fortnite and submitted an updated version, stressing that “all platforms must update simultaneously.” On social media platform X, Sweeney repeatedly criticized that Fortnite clones were easily approved for the App Store, while his game was rejected. He accused Apple of having “manipulated senior management” in its review process, creating an unfair playing field.

The confrontation once again highlights the strained relationship between app developers and platform gatekeepers like Apple, and leaves Fortnite 's future on iOS more uncertain than ever.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/apple-lam-cang-voi-epic-games-chan-fortnite-tren-toan-cau-185250516220715548.htm