Fortnite may be making a comeback on the App Store
By ForGeeks The official Fortnite account at X (formerly Twitter) said: “We’ve submitted Fortnite to Apple to launch the game on the App Store in the US.” This development could be a key moment in the long-running conflict between Epic Games and Apple, which began back in August 2020.
Let’s remember where it all began
Then Epic built an alternative shopping system into Fortnite, allowing players to pay for in-game items directly, bypassing Apple’s 15-30% commission. Apple considered this a violation of the rules and removed Fortnite from the App Store, and a series of high-profile lawsuits ensued.
And then Epic built in an alternative shopping system, allowing players to pay for in-game items directly, bypassing Apple’s 15-30% commission.
Court v. Apple: Epic wins – but not all the way
A recent court ruling ordered Apple to stop charging fees for transactions and subscriptions made outside the App Store. Epic reacted enthusiastically to this victory and announced that it was preparing Fortnite for a return to the store. In doing so, Epic promised not to charge a commission on the first $1 million of developer revenue each year.
At the same time, Epic pledged not to charge a commission on the first $1 million of developer revenue each year.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said Fortnite will return to the App Store worldwide if Apple allows the court ruling to go into effect globally. However, Apple has already filed an appeal and an emergency motion for a temporary stay of the court order.
Apple opposes, court presses
Justice Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has issued a contempt ruling, saying Apple is willfully ignoring her rulings dating back to 2021 and continuing its anti-competitive policies. Apple objects, arguing that its actions were not found to be illegal, and states: “A federal court cannot force Apple to provide free access to its products, services, and intellectual property.”
A federal court can’t force Apple to provide free access to its products, services, and intellectual property.
Epic: the market is finally coming to life
After the court ruling and the partial opening of external payment methods, Epic said developers began to compete more vigorously by offering better terms and alternative payment methods. This, they argue, has brought more choice to users.
Apple changes policy – but with caveats
Apple recently allowed links to external payment pages in apps. However, the company continues to charge a 27% commission for doing so. Apple also warns users that it’s not responsible for their security and privacy when linking to external sites, a move that’s been criticized as an attempt at intimidation.
The story Fortnite may return to the App Store was first published on ITZine.ru.
