As Epic Games submits Fortnite to the App Store review process, the fate of this beloved game rests in Apple's hands. The latest version offers a seamless app user experience by incorporating both Apple's in-app purchase system and an external payment option via the Epic Games Store. However, despite recent policy changes forced by a federal injunction, Apple is not legally required to approve the app. Will they take the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to a more competitive App Store environment?
Epic's bold move: Nuking Fortnite to attack Apple's 30%
In 2020, Epic Games removed Fortnite from the US App Store as a calculated protest against Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases. This strategic decision sparked a years-long antitrust battle between the two companies. The controversy centered around Epic's attempt to provide users with more payment options, bypassing Apple's control.
Last week, Epic claimed victory after a federal judge ruled that Apple could no longer block developers from linking to or advertising external payment methods. This ruling also prohibited Apple from applying a 27% commission on out-of-app purchases initiated through in-app links. To reintroduce Fortnite to the App Store, Epic is leveraging its EU developer account after Apple terminated its original US account for openly violating its legal business contract.
Apple's appeal and the fate of Fortnite
Apple has appealed the court decision and filed an emergency stay request to halt the enforcement of the injunction. If the stay is approved, Apple would presumably be permitted to revert to the original App Store rules in the US and retain its commission on out-of-app purchases originating from iOS apps within seven days of a transaction being made. The appeal process won't resolve anytime soon, but we should know the fate of the stay request by the end of the month.
Will Fortnite return to the US App Store?
Epic has submitted Fortnite to the US App Store, seeking to demonstrate payment choice and participate in a set of business terms that it views as fair. The version under review uses Apple's in-app purchase system and includes a button that directs users to the Epic Games Store checkout instead. While the legal injunction reshapes the App Store business model, it doesn't require Apple to accept Fortnite back.
The stakes are high for both parties: if Fortnite is rejected, Epic ends up as a kind of martyr – excluded even as Apple is forced to compete. That outcome could make Apple look petty and punitive as a company, even if skepticism toward Epic feels reasonable on a personal level.