Fortnite Unavailable on Apple Devices Again

The online game Fortnite is currently not available on Apple devices in the European Union and the United States. This situation is linked to the ongoing legal conflict between the game company and Apple.

The game company confirmed the unavailability, stating that users cannot access Fortnite through Apple’s iOS or the App Store in these regions. The company stated that Apple is preventing the game from being available. Apple, however, said that it had only asked the game company to resubmit an app update in a way that would prevent problems in other regions, specifically excluding access to the U.S. store. Apple also stated it did not remove the game from other places where it might be available.

The legal dispute between the game company and Apple began in 2020. The main issue is Apple’s rule of taking a commission of up to 30% on purchases made inside apps. The game company argues this rule breaks U.S. laws designed to ensure fair competition.

Recently, the game company asked a judge in California to find Apple in contempt of court. They claimed Apple is ignoring a previous court order by preventing the game from returning to the App Store. In court documents, the game company argued that Apple’s action is a clear punishment for challenging its business rules. They stated Apple is deliberately blocking the app to stop them from holding Apple responsible for unfair practices. Apple has not yet commented on this latest court filing.

Apple first removed Fortnite from its App Store in 2020 after the game company added a direct payment system to avoid Apple’s commission fees. The game was allowed back in the EU last year following actions by regulators who are working to increase competition in digital services. Apple had also previously approved the game company’s own game store app for iPhones and iPads in the EU. Earlier this month, the game company won a point in court against Apple, but the larger legal conflict continues.