Fortnite Set to Make a Triumphant Return to the US iOS App Store Next Week!
Epic Games’ highly popular game, Fortnite, is set to make a significant comeback on the US iOS App Store next week, following a surprising legal development in its long-standing dispute with Apple. This ruling could potentially reshape the landscape of in-app purchases.
The Epic Games vs. Apple Legal Battle
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the iOS store. This action stemmed from Epic’s attempt to bypass Apple’s hefty 30% fee on in-app purchases by introducing direct payment options within the game.
Key Developments in the Case
- In 2021, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple could not stop developers like Epic from including links for customers to purchase digital goods outside of the iOS ecosystem.
- On a recent Wednesday, Judge Rogers declared that Apple was in “willful violation” of this injunction, asserting that its actions demonstrated a severe miscalculation.
- Rogers emphasized, “For this Court, there is no second bite at the apple,” highlighting the seriousness of Apple’s noncompliance.
Impact on In-App Payments
As a result of the recent ruling, Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will finally return to the iOS App Store in the United States. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, remarked on the significance of this decision:
“Apple’s 15-30% junk fees are now just as dead here in the United States of America as they are in Europe under the Digital Markets Act. Unlawful here, unlawful there.”
Sweeney noted that it took a total of four years, four months, and seventeen days to reach this milestone.
Future of Fortnite on iOS
Despite the positive ruling, Sweeney is advocating for Apple to extend this U.S. ruling globally before Fortnite is reinstated on the App Store worldwide. However, Apple is reportedly planning to appeal the ruling, which may affect the timeline for Fortnite’s global return.
For more information on the implications of this ruling, you can visit TechCrunch.
Conclusion
The return of Fortnite to the iOS App Store marks a pivotal moment not only for Epic Games but also for the broader gaming and app industry. As the battle continues, consumers and developers alike will be watching closely to see how this ruling influences future app store policies.
