Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store worldwide after a nearly six-year legal battle between Epic Games and Apple over App Store rules, payment systems, and commissions. The game developer announced that its fight against what it calls Apple's anticompetitive practices is not over.
Epic Games Continues to Challenge Apple
In a blog post, Epic Games stated that Fortnite's return comes as regulators and courts in multiple countries continue examining how Apple charges fees and controls app distribution on iOS devices. The company said, 'We will continue to challenge Apple's anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments.'
Epic also accused Apple of avoiding the impact of regulations introduced in markets including the European Union, Japan, and the UK through additional fees and restrictions. The company urged stronger enforcement to create a more open mobile app ecosystem for developers and consumers.
Full Announcement from Epic Games
In its blog post, Epic Games wrote: 'Fortnite is now back on the App Store worldwide, after Apple told the U.S. Supreme Court that regulators around the world are watching this case to determine what commission rate Apple may charge on covered purchases in huge markets outside the United States.'
'Apple knows the U.S. federal court will force it to be transparent about how it charges its App Store fees. Fortnite is returning to the App Store now because we are confident that once Apple is forced to show its costs, governments around the world will not allow Apple junk fees to stand.'
'We will continue to challenge Apple's anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments. We've seen momentum around the world to address these practices, with regulators passing laws in Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom - but time and time again Apple has evaded the laws with scare screens, fees, and onerous requirements. It's time for regulators to truly enforce the laws so developers and consumers around the world can benefit from an open and fair mobile app ecosystem.'
Epic noted that Fortnite has not returned to the Australia App Store yet. 'There, Epic won its court case against Apple, the Court found many of Apple's developer terms are unlawful, and yet Apple continues to enforce those terms. Epic is now asking the Court to bring Apple's unlawful conduct to an end and to make orders that will benefit all app developers and iOS users. Epic can't return under an illegal payment arrangement with Apple, so unless Apple agrees to adopt lawful payment terms in the interim, we must wait for a Court decision.'
