As of May 19, 2025, Fortnite is unavailable on iPhones in both the US and EU due to ongoing restrictions from Apple.

Epic Games says the global ban on iOS remains until Apple allows Fortnite back on the App Store.

Apple claims Epic Sweden mishandled an app update, but denies removing Fortnite from third-party marketplaces.

The dispute stems from a long-running legal battle over Apple’s 30% commission, which Epic says breaks US antitrust laws.

Epic filed a court motion on May 16, 2025 demanding Apple comply with earlier rulings and allow Fortnite’s return.

As of now, Apple has not responded to the latest filing outside of regular business hours.

🔗 Source: The Economic Times

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Epic vs Apple: A four-year legal marathon with billions at stake

The current Fortnite blockage represents just the latest chapter in a protracted legal battle dating back to August 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic deliberately bypassed Apple’s payment system to avoid the 30% commission fee 1.

This removal initially affected approximately 116 million iOS Fortnite players out of the game’s 350 million total user base, triggering Epic’s #FreeFortnite social media campaign and subsequent litigation 1.

The financial stakes are enormous. Apple’s App Store generated $26.3 billion in Q1 2025 alone, with even a 10% reduction in fees potentially costing Apple billions in revenue 2.

Despite a federal judge ruling mostly in Apple’s favor in 2021, Epic succeeded on one count regarding anti-steering policies, which prohibited developers from informing users about alternative payment options 3.

Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney recently proposed a conditional peace deal: if Apple implements a “friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework,” Fortnite would return to iOS and Epic would drop litigation 2.

2️⃣ Global regulatory pressure intensifies against app store monopolies

The Epic-Apple conflict extends far beyond U.S. borders, with Epic filing similar legal challenges in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe to challenge Apple’s app distribution policies 1.