Apple has approved the return of Epic Games’ popular title, Fortnite, to the U.S. App Store after a five-year absence. The approval follows a lengthy legal battle that started in 2020 when Epic bypassed Apple’s payment system, sparking a series of lawsuits.
The Legal Battle and Fortnite’s Return
Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in the game, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. This move led to a major legal dispute between the two companies, culminating in a court ruling last month that Apple could no longer charge commissions on payments processed outside its system. This decision paved the way for Fortnite’s return to the App Store after Epic Games submitted the game for review in May.
Epic’s Legal Victory and Apple’s Response
In a recent court ruling, a judge determined that Apple could not control how apps link out for payments or dictate the appearance of such links. This victory allowed Epic to resubmit Fortnite to the App Store. However, Apple delayed the approval of the game, leading Epic to file a legal challenge. On Monday, a judge ordered Apple to provide an explanation for the delay or reach a resolution with Epic over the game’s status.
Changes to the App Store and New Policies
Apple’s approval of Fortnite follows a broader change in App Store policies. After the court ruling, major apps like Amazon and Spotify were able to implement payment links that bypassed Apple’s fees, a move that has led to significant shifts in how companies operate on the App Store. Despite these changes, Apple continues to appeal recent court decisions, seeking to pause some of the modifications made to the App Store as a result of the legal battle.
Impact on Apple’s Services Business
The App Store fees remain a crucial revenue stream for Apple, contributing to its Services segment, which reported nearly $27 billion in revenue during the March quarter. Apple’s Services business includes not just the App Store, but also subscriptions like Apple TV+, AppleCare, and payment services. The return of Fortnite to the App Store is a key development, especially given the importance of App Store commissions to Apple’s financials.
Epic’s Expansion in Europe and Beyond
While Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store marks a significant moment in the legal saga, Epic Games has also managed to maintain a presence in Europe, where it offers the game through a third-party app store under the European Digital Markets Act. Additionally, Fortnite is accessible via cloud gaming services, providing another avenue for iPhone users to play the game despite Apple’s restrictions.