The Fortnite Saga Continues: Apple’s Silence Keeps Epic Games’ Return to the App Store in Limbo

The ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple has taken another unexpected turn. In a recent statement, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney revealed that Apple has yet to respond to the latest submission for Fortnite’s return to the App Store, leaving the game’s future in limbo. In this post, we’ll dive into the latest developments and explore the implications of Apple’s silence.

The Background

For those who may have missed the drama, Fortnite was banned from the App Store in 2021 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system that bypassed Apple’s in-app purchase rules. The ban was upheld by a court order, which stated that Epic Games had willingly broken the rules it had agreed to when creating its developer account. Despite this, Epic Games has continued to push for Fortnite’s return to the App Store, citing the need for a simultaneous update across all platforms.

The Latest Developments

On May 9th, Epic Games submitted Fortnite for Apple’s approval, only to be met with radio silence. After five days without a response, Epic withdrew the original submission and filed a new version to accommodate a planned Friday update. This move was likely an attempt to expedite the review process, given Apple’s own guidelines stating that 90% of app submissions are reviewed within 24 hours.

However, Apple’s silence has continued, leaving Fortnite fans on iOS in a state of uncertainty. In a recent tweet, Sweeney expressed his frustration, stating that Apple’s inaction is likely a one-sided stalemate, with the company waiting for a court order to make a decision.

The Implications

Apple’s silence has significant implications for Fortnite’s future on iOS. With the Friday update at risk, the game’s fans are left wondering what will happen next. Will Apple finally respond and approve Fortnite’s return to the App Store, or will the company continue to stall?

In the meantime, Sweeney has been vocal about the issue, pointing out the hypocrisy of Apple’s actions. In a recent tweet, he highlighted the presence of a Fortnite knock-off on the App Store, which was later pulled. This move has sparked concerns about the quality of apps available on the platform.

What’s Next?

For now, Fortnite fans on iOS remain in wait-and-see mode. Sweeney has not indicated what Epic’s next move will be if Godot never comes. However, with no communication from Apple and the Friday update at risk, the saga between both companies appears far from over.

Actionable Insights

• Apple’s silence is likely a strategic move, waiting for a court order to make a decision on Fortnite’s return to the App Store.
• Epic Games’ continued push for Fortnite’s return to the App Store highlights the need for a simultaneous update across all platforms.
• The presence of Fortnite knock-offs on the App Store raises concerns about the quality of apps available on the platform.

Conclusion

The ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple is a complex and contentious issue. While Apple’s silence may be frustrating for Fortnite fans, it’s clear that the company is waiting for a court order to make a decision. For now, the saga continues, with no clear end in sight. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain.