Epic Games Submits 'Fortnite' for Apple Approval with Web Payment Option

In a significant development following a recent legal ruling, Epic Games has submitted the popular game 'Fortnite' for approval to Apple, now incorporating a web payment option. This move comes as the company seeks to adapt to new possibilities within the App Store ecosystem, which were established after a U.S. court's decision favoring alternative payment methods.

Previously, Spotify and Amazon successfully integrated similar functionalities into their applications, enabling users to purchase content and subscriptions directly through the web, thus avoiding the hefty commissions that Apple typically charges developers. However, 'Fortnite' remains in limbo as it awaits Apple's review.

Epic Games initiated this new submission on May 9, but reports indicate that Apple has not yet expedited the approval process. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, communicated that there have been no updates regarding 'Fortnite' for iOS. The game was initially removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic attempted to implement its own payment system, violating Apple's guidelines.

The ongoing legal battle between Epic and Apple has spanned several years and jurisdictions, culminating in a California judge ruling that Apple must not profit from web purchases made outside its platform. The judgment criticized Apple for misleading practices, asserting that the company cannot take a cut from off-app purchases.

Despite expectations that Apple would swiftly approve 'Fortnite' following the court's ruling, the delay has raised questions within the industry. In contrast, Spotify's integration was approved promptly, and Amazon's Kindle app has begun featuring direct links for web purchases.

The ruling further stipulates that Apple cannot request data regarding off-app purchases and may not impose restrictions on links, practices that had previously limited developers. Typically, Apple claims that 90% of app submissions are processed within 24 hours, yet as days pass since Epic's submission, the lack of movement has drawn attention.