Fortnite is now unavailable on iOS after Apple blocks its return, Epic Games faces new setback

The ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games has taken a new turn, with Apple recently blocking the reinstatement of the popular game Fortnite on its US and EU App Stores. As per reports, this move has effectively made Fortnite unavailable on iOS devices globally, leaving millions of players without access to the game on their iPhones and iPads. The situation marks a significant escalation in the long-running dispute between the two tech giants over app store policies and digital revenue sharing.

Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union. Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it.

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 16, 2025

Why Fortnite is blocked again on iOS

Despite a partial legal victory in 2023 that allowed Epic to direct users to its own payment methods, Apple has now blocked a fresh attempt to reinstate Fortnite on its US App Store, according to a statement from the official Fortnite account on X (formerly Twitter). The post read:

"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union."

This new block impacts both US and EU iOS users, effectively making Fortnite inaccessible globally on Apple devices.


Reasons for the latest block:

• App Store policies: Apple’s strict guidelines on app submissions, including payment methods and security requirements.
• Legal disputes: Ongoing legal challenges that have not fully resolved the core issues between the two companies.
• EU Digital Markets Act (DMA): While third-party app stores are allowed in the EU under the DMA, Epic claims that Apple has still blocked its attempt to distribute Fortnite via its own store, raising questions about compliance with EU regulations.

Background of the Apple-Epic dispute

The conflict between Apple and Epic Games began in August 2020 when Epic introduced a direct payment option in its Fortnite app, bypassing Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases. This move violated Apple’s App Store guidelines, leading to the immediate removal of Fortnite from the store. Epic responded by filing a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of maintaining an illegal monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments.


Impact on players and the gaming community

The latest block affects millions of Fortnite players worldwide, as iOS remains one of the largest gaming platforms. Key impacts include:

• Global game availability: Fortnite is now unavailable on iOS globally, cutting off a significant portion of its player base.
• Cross-platform play disruptions: Players who relied on iPhones and iPads for Fortnite gaming will face interruptions, affecting cross-platform play.
• Revenue loss for Epic: The block is likely to impact Epic’s revenue from mobile players, who account for a significant share of in-game purchases.

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