Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will be offline worldwide due to Apple’s refusal to allow its resubmission to the US App Store. The issue stems from a recent court ruling that prohibits Apple from charging commissions on purchases made outside of an iOS app. Despite this, Apple claims it did not remove Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces.
Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic Games updated its software to link out to its own website to avoid paying Apple’s 30% commission fee for in-app purchases. The game had been available on iPhones in Europe through Epic Games’ own digital store, but is now banned worldwide.
Epic Games CEO Gabriel Le Roux warned that Apple’s App Store rules are limiting developers’ ability to monetize and engage with users, particularly for gaming companies which operate on thin margins. With Fortnite offline, gamers will have to find alternative ways to access the popular game.
As the dispute continues, Epic Games and Apple remain locked in a battle over payment structures and developer control. The situation highlights the growing tensions between tech giants and developers over app store rules and revenue sharing.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/16/fortnite-is-now-offline-on-ios-worldwide-as-apple-blocks-game-epic-games-says.html