Epic Games announced on Friday that it has submitted Fortnite to Apple’s App Store following a recent court ruling favoring the game maker in a contempt case. Fortnite was removed from iPhones and the App Store in 2020 after Epic altered its software to link to its website, bypassing Apple’s commission fees, which led to a protracted legal dispute. A judge ruled last month that Apple could not charge a commission on such link-outs or control their appearance, facilitating Fortnite’s potential return.
Despite this, Apple’s approval is not guaranteed, as the company is appealing the ruling. The ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple has extended beyond courts to regulatory bodies globally. Alongside its fight with Apple, Epic has also sued Google regarding its Play Store policies. The recent court decision has significant implications for app developers on iPhones, as Apple typically takes 15% to 30% from in-app purchases. By linking to external sites, developers can avoid these fees entirely; some, including Amazon and Spotify, have already updated their apps to incorporate this strategy.
For instance, Amazon’s Kindle app previously limited in-app purchases but now features a direct link to its website for buying books. In Europe, Fortnite has been accessible on iPhones via Epic Games’ store since last year, thanks to regulations allowing third-party app stores. Additionally, iPhone users can play Fortnite through cloud gaming services. This evolving landscape highlights the shifting economics of app development and distribution in response to legal and regulatory pressures.
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