Apple Blocks Fortnite Update for iPhones, Game Unavailable Worldwide

In a significant development for mobile gaming, Epic Games has announced that the popular game Fortnite is currently unavailable on iPhones worldwide due to an update blockage by Apple. This situation arose following Apple's decision to prevent the release of the latest update for the game, which has resulted in Fortnite being taken offline not only in the United States but also across Europe.

Epic Games reported that, without Apple's approval of the update, the game cannot be launched or updated on the Epic Games Store in the EU or the App Store in the U.S. The company emphasized that the game remains offline until Apple decides to lift this blockade.

In response to the situation, Apple stated that it has not removed the live version of Fortnite from alternative marketplaces. However, the ongoing dispute has led to complications, as Epic's Swedish division is allowed to resubmit the update, provided it does not target the U.S. App Store to avoid affecting availability in other regions.

This conflict is part of a protracted legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, which has been ongoing for several years. A court ruling in the U.S. recently mandated Apple to allow links within apps, prompting Epic to seek Fortnite's reinstatement in the U.S. App Store. Epic's founder, Tim Sweeney, has publicly criticized Apple for allegedly ignoring the submitted update and allowing fraudulent Fortnite copies to remain in the App Store.

The discord traces back to a strategic move by Epic Games five years ago, when the company integrated direct purchase links into Fortnite to bypass Apple's in-app payment system. This action led to Epic being removed from the App Store and subsequently from Apple's developer program, effectively banning the game from the platform.

Subsequently, Epic initiated legal proceedings against both Apple and Google. The Digital Markets Act has since compelled Apple to permit alternative app stores on iPhones within the EU, facilitating Epic's launch of its own Epic Games Store. However, this required a new developer account, which Apple initially rejected but later approved under pressure from the European Commission.

Attempts by Epic Games to reintroduce Fortnite to the U.S. App Store using this new account have met with resistance from Apple, which has not provided comments on the matter. Observers speculate that the update submitted by Epic remains in a state of limbo within Apple's review process, causing the game to remain offline.

Epic Games theoretically has the option to withdraw the submission for the U.S. App Store and resubmit the update solely for the Epic Games Store in Europe. Such an action could allow them to bypass the current blockage, but the situation remains unresolved as both companies continue to navigate this complex legal landscape.