Fortnite App Store Removal: Will It Return?

Fortnite's Return to Apple Devices Faces Further Delays

Despite the recent resolution of the high-profile legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, the prospect of Fortnite returning to the App Store remains uncertain. The outcome, while not a complete victory for either side, initially sparked optimism among players hoping to access the game on their Apple devices.

Ongoing Legal Appeals Stall Reinstatement

However, new communications revealed by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney suggest that Apple is unwilling to reinstate Fortnite while the ongoing appeals process continues. Sweeney estimates this legal maneuvering could potentially keep the battle royale title unavailable on the App Store for an additional five years or more.

Sweeney shared a correspondence consisting of an email he sent to Apple’s Phil Schiller and a subsequent response from Apple’s legal counsel. The reply explicitly stated that “Apple has exercised its discretion not to reinstate Epic’s developer program account at this time.”

Furthermore, Apple indicated they will not entertain any further requests for reinstatement until the district court’s judgment is finalized and all potential appeals have been exhausted.

Court Ruling and Initial Reactions

Earlier this month, the court determined that Apple did “not violate antitrust law.” Epic Games was ordered to compensate Apple for the fees lost due to circumventing the App Store system.

Significantly, the ruling also mandated that Apple could no longer prohibit alternative payment methods within the App Store. This decision introduces complexities to Apple’s App Store financial model.

While Apple refrained from appealing the court’s decision, characterizing it as a substantial overall win, Epic Games expressed dissatisfaction and initiated an appeal, vowing to continue the legal fight.

Apple's Previous Stance

Immediately following the initial ruling, Apple representatives indicated a willingness to welcome Fortnite back to the App Store, provided Epic Games adhered to the same guidelines as all other developers. This statement preceded Epic’s formal appeal of the court’s judgment.

Sweeney's Criticism

In a subsequent tweet, Sweeney denounced Apple’s refusal to reinstate Fortnite’s developer account as “another extraordinary anticompetitive move by Apple.” He asserted that this action demonstrates Apple’s capacity to influence market dynamics and selectively favor certain companies.

A request for comment has been directed to Apple.

Here's a summary of the key points:

• The lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games has not resulted in Fortnite’s immediate return to the App Store.
• Apple will not reinstate Epic’s developer account during the appeals process.
• The appeals process could potentially delay Fortnite’s return for several years.
• The court ruled in favor of Apple on antitrust concerns but restricted their control over payment systems.