Epic Games is taking its long-running fight with Apple back to a U.S. courtroom, reigniting the dispute that began with Fortnite’s removal from the App Store. The company aims to challenge the boundaries of how developers can sell apps and in-game content on iOS, with the outcome potentially reshaping how mobile gaming operates across the United States.
Following a recent U.S. court ruling that forces Apple to allow external payment links in apps, Epic tried to resubmit Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store using its Swedish developer account. This would have allowed Epic to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. through an EU account. However, Apple rejected the submission on May 15, claiming Epic’s past violations still justified keeping the game off the platform. Suddenly, Apple also shut down Fortnite on iOS globally, including where the game was available.
Epic Games Takes Apple to Court Again for Fortnite iOS
Epic Games has filed another lawsuit against Apple, reigniting their dispute over Fortnite’s removal from the iOS App Store. The company argues that Apple’s restrictions on third-party payments and app distribution violate U.S. antitrust laws. This legal action follows ongoing global efforts by Epic to challenge Apple’s control over app ecosystems and demand fairer access for developers. The court’s decision could have lasting effects on how mobile platforms handle game distribution and in-app purchases.
In retaliation, Epic filed a motion in the District Court of California, accusing Apple of “blatant retaliation” and defiance of the court’s injunction. Epic argues that the new Fortnite build complies with all App Store policies and legal rulings, offering a link to its external store instead of in-app purchases to avoid Apple’s cut.
Also Read: List of iPhones and iPads That Will Support Fortnite, According to Leaks
The company also says Apple’s demand to submit separate regional versions violates App Store rules and prevents Fortnite U.S. and EU updates. Epic insists it’s being punished for enforcing its legal rights, and is now asking Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to intervene.
This comes after the same judge recently accused Apple of a “clear and convincing violation” of her original order and warned the company that “time is of the essence.”
As it stands, Fortnite remains unavailable on iOS worldwide. The escalated situation might halt Fortnite’s iOS release in Brazil. Whether this legal push brings the game back to the App Store or extends the battle further will now be up to the court.
Apple must resolve the issue or attend a court hearing by May 21. If they fail, an Apple executive must appear in court on May 27. Furthermore, the reports suggest that if Apple fails to satisfy the court, the judge could penalize the company and/or order an immediate review of Fortnite.
What did Epic ask the court to order in the new filing
In Epic Games’ new court filing from mid-May 2025, the company sought specific remedies against Apple’s rejection of its Fortnite iOS app submission for the U.S. App Store.
Key Requests
Epic asked District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to enforce the existing injunction from her prior rulings, which prohibits Apple from rejecting apps solely for including external payment links. Epic specifically requested an order compelling Apple to review and approve any compliant Fortnite submission for the U.S. App Store storefront.
Additional Demands
The filing urged the court to hold Apple in contempt again for alleged retaliation and willful non-compliance, similar to the April 2025 ruling. Epic also sought mandates preventing further delays tied to Apple’s Ninth Circuit appeal and ensuring no penalties for developers using court-permitted external links.
Order Apple to approve Fortnite for the US App Store
Epic Games specifically requested a court order directing Apple to approve Fortnite for the U.S. iOS App Store in their May 2025 filing, following Apple’s rejection of the compliant submission.
Court Order Sought
Epic urged Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to mandate that Apple review and approve any Fortnite version meeting App Store standards, enforcing the prior injunction against rejecting apps for external payment links. This aimed to override Apple’s delay tactics tied to its Ninth Circuit appeal.
Broader Enforcement
The filing also sought a contempt finding against Apple for retaliation, with orders to cease blocking compliant apps and avoid developer penalties for using permitted external links. No updates indicate the order was granted by January 2026, leaving Fortnite’s U.S. iOS status unresolved.
