Apple rejected Fortnite’s latest submission for the App Store in the U.S. and blocked distribution via Epic’s store in the EU. Epic Games, backed by Tencent(TECHY), revealed today that the move stopped all access to the game on iPhones worldwide, yet Apple has not commented publicly.
The latest block resulted after Epic Games reportedly won a case against Apple earlier this month. This is the second time Apple has blocked Epic Games’ Fortnite due to an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games since 2020. The initial block of Fortnite by Apple in 2020 was due to Epic Games’ attempt to evade Apple’s payment system.
Apple rejects Fortnite’s submission and consequently blocks the game on iOS
According to Epic Games, access to Fortnite via the App Store and iOS will be unavailable globally until Apple lifts the ban. Epic Games sued Apple, accusing it of charging up to 30% commission on in-app purchases, violating the U.S antitrust regulations. Apple has already appealed the decision, and the case is in progress.
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
After the initial block in 2020, Apple reinstated Epic Games, creator of Fortnite and backed by China’s Tencent(TECHY), last year after receiving much pressure from the European Union(EU). EU authorities enforced the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and later, Apple approved Epic Games’ marketplace app for iPhones and iPads in the EU region.
Epic Games has relied mostly on the EU-based developer account to try to relaunch Fortnite under the region’s new DMA, which requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS. Epic Games briefly went live in the EU region via other marketplaces, such as the Epic Games Store and AltStore PAL.
Epic Games later revealed that the game was blocked on those sites, too, though it’s unclear whether Apple directly removed it or Epic themselves did in anticipation of being rejected. Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney wrote that Apple’s App Review team should be free to review all submitted apps on time and accept or reject them according to the plain language of their guidelines. He added that senior management shouldn’t weaponize app review to delay or block competition, due process, or free speech.
European Union hits Apple with major antitrust violations under DMA
Last month, the European Union found Apple guilty of the DMA obligation to give consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their data and fined €500 million. According to the EU, Apple imposed restrictions on app developers, limiting their ability to fully benefit from the advantages of alternative distribution channels outside the App Store.
Similarly, consumers were denied the benefit of alternative and cheaper offers as Apple prevented app developers from directly informing consumers of such offers. Apple failed to demonstrate that those restrictions were objectively necessary and proportionate
Amid the surprise block, Apple’s stock was triggered, jumping by 0.18% on Friday’s premarket session and then falling later. Tencent’s China stock fell by 2.53% today. Apple’s stock has decreased by 15% this year and 12% over the past 12 months. Tencent Stock jumped 24% this year and 28% over the last 12 months.
The European Union’s regulatory body has also accused Microsoft of violating the Digital Markets Act. Recently, Microsoft found itself in the battle after being charged with bundling the Teams video conferencing app with Office 365 and Microsoft 365, giving Teams an unfair advantage over rivals. The investigation emerged after Slack filed a lawsuit claiming Microsoft’s behavior was anti-competitive.
To settle the dispute, Microsoft proposed selling Teams separately from the competitor products, ensuring better interoperability. Microsoft stock remained flat in the premarket session. The stock is up 16% this year and has gained more than 8% in the past 12 months.
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