Epic Games’ Fortnite is currently unavailable on iPhones in both the EU and the U.S., amid a continued legal standoff between Epic and Apple.
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| Epic Games' Fortnite is inaccessible on Apple devices in the EU and U.S., as legal tensions flare over app store restrictions and digital market access. Image: CH |
CARY, United States – May 17, 2025:
Epic Games’ blockbuster video game Fortnite is currently unavailable on Apple iPhones in both the European Union and the United States, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing feud between the U.S.-based game developer and Apple Inc.
In a statement released Friday, Epic Games confirmed that access to Fortnite through Apple’s iOS and App Store platforms is globally blocked until Apple lifts its restrictions. The developer did not clarify what triggered the new restriction, but the removal affects users in key gaming markets, including Europe and North America.
Apple responded by stating it had requested Epic Sweden—Epic Games’ European entity—to resubmit a Fortnite app update without the U.S. storefront to avoid disrupting access in other regions.
“We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces,” an Apple spokesperson said.
The dispute is rooted in a broader, multi-year legal battle between the two tech giants. Since 2020, Epic Games has accused Apple of monopolistic behavior, particularly over its 30% commission on in-app purchases, a practice Epic claims violates U.S. antitrust laws.
The feud reignited late Friday when Epic filed a motion in a California federal court, requesting a judge to hold Apple in contempt of court. Epic argued that Apple’s refusal to allow Fortnite back on the U.S. App Store violated a prior court ruling that had mandated more openness in iOS app distribution.
"Apple’s blocking of the app is blatant retaliation against Epic for challenging Apple’s anticompetitive behavior and exposing its lies to the court," Epic wrote in its filing.
Apple has yet to respond publicly to the filing, and no timeline has been given for a resolution.
Fortnite, launched in 2017, quickly rose to global prominence with its battle royale format, attracting millions of players. Epic Games, which is partly owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent, has become one of the world's largest and most influential gaming studios.
Though Apple banned Fortnite from its App Store in 2020, the game was allowed back in European markets last year under pressure from EU regulators enforcing the Digital Markets Act, which compels major tech platforms to ensure fair digital competition.
Apple also approved Epic’s marketplace app for iPhones and iPads in Europe in 2024, signaling a temporary thaw in the conflict. Earlier this month, Epic scored a legal win in its broader case against Apple, adding further momentum to its campaign against App Store policies.
With Fortnite once again in the crosshairs, the clash between Epic and Apple continues to test the limits of platform control, antitrust enforcement, and developer rights in the digital economy.