Fortnite fans on iOS just got hit with a gut punch: the game’s gone dark worldwide, and Apple’s the one pulling the plug. Epic Games announced today that Apple has blocked their latest App Store submission, halting Fortnite’s U.S. comeback and freezing updates for European players. This bombshell, reported by Variety, is the latest twist in the Epic-Apple feud that’s been raging since 2020, leaving millions of iPhone and iPad gamers stuck in limbo. Here’s why this blackout’s a big deal, what’s behind Apple’s move, and what it means for Fortnite’s future on iOS.
A Submission Blocked, a Game Shut Down
Epic Games was riding high after a major court win on April 30, 2025, when a U.S. judge ruled Apple couldn’t slap fees on developers’ external payment systems, like Epic’s cheaper “Epic Direct Payment” option. This opened the door for Fortnite to return to the U.S. App Store after a five-year ban, with Epic submitting the game on May 9. They also planned to update the EU version on the Epic Games Store and AltStore PAL, keeping all platforms in sync with Fortnite’s weekly content drops, like new skins and events.
But Apple’s playing hardball. After Epic’s first submission sat in review for over 120 hours—way past Apple’s claimed 24-hour turnaround for 90% of apps—Epic pulled it on May 14 to resubmit a version tied to the latest update. Now, Apple’s flat-out blocked this new submission, leaving Epic high and dry. “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union,” Epic shared in a statement. “Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it,” Variety reported.
This means iOS players everywhere are cut off. In the EU, where Fortnite returned in 2024 via the Digital Markets Act, the native app’s updates are stalled. In the U.S., the relaunch is dead in the water. Existing installs are stuck on the dusty 2020 version 13.40, and new downloads are a no-go. Cloud streaming via Nvidia GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming is an option, but it’s a laggy Band-Aid compared to the smooth native app fans crave.
Why’s Apple Dragging Its Feet?
The block is the latest jab in a bitter fight that started in 2020, when Apple yanked Fortnite from the App Store after Epic added direct payments to dodge Apple’s 30% commission. Epic sued, claiming Apple’s App Store was a monopoly. While Apple won most points, a 2021 injunction forced them to allow external payment links, which they skirted with a 27% fee and “scare screens” warning users about outside purchases. The April 2025 ruling slammed Apple for violating that injunction, with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers calling out their “willful violation” and “obvious cover-up,” even flagging Apple’s VP of Finance for possible criminal contempt.
Epic’s new submission leaned into the court’s ruling, offering players a choice between Apple’s payment system and Epic’s 20% cheaper direct option. But Apple’s silence—six days without approving or rejecting—followed by the outright block suggests they’re not happy. Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney told Variety the delay was “unusually long,” hinting Apple’s stalling to disrupt Fortnite’s weekly updates, which need to hit all platforms simultaneously. Some fans think Apple’s flexing muscle, wary of Epic’s Swedish developer account (used since their U.S. account’s still banned) or just mad about losing their commission cut. Whatever the reason, Apple’s appeal of the ruling, due by May 28, might be fueling this standoff.
Fans Are Livid, Sweeney’s Fighting Back
The outage is a dagger to Fortnite’s massive iOS fanbase, who’ve been itching for the game’s return since it pulled in $1.1 billion on mobile from 2018 to 2020. Players are venting hard, with some calling Apple’s move “petty” and others worried about missing new seasons, like last year’s Marvel-themed EU content. The blackout screws up cross-platform play, leaving iOS users on an ancient version while PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players get fresh goodies.
Sweeney’s not sitting quiet. He’s been firing off updates, calling out Apple’s delay tactics and even mocking their App Store for approving fake Fortnite knockoffs like “Epic Survival Battle Royale 3D” while blocking the real deal. He’s floated a “peace proposal” to Apple: extend the court’s “friction-free, Apple-tax-free” rules globally, and Epic will drop all lawsuits and bring Fortnite back everywhere. He’s also teasing a new “Pie Patron” skin to replace the 2020 “Tart Tycoon” Apple diss, signaling a truce if Apple plays nice. But with Apple stonewalling, Sweeney’s hope for a quick launch has turned to frustration.
What’s Next for Fortnite on iOS?
The future’s murky. Judge Rogers warned Apple that “time is of the essence,” and further delays could mean more legal trouble, especially with contempt proceedings on the horizon. If Apple’s block is a ploy to force Epic to ditch direct payments, it’s a risky move that could backfire in court. Epic’s resubmitted app follows the court’s rules, so a rejection might spark another lawsuit—Sweeney’s made it clear they’re ready to rumble.
For now, iOS players are out of luck. You can still jump into Fortnite on PC, consoles, or Android via the Epic Games Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, or try cloud streaming on iOS browsers. Epic’s pushing for a U.S. relaunch and EU updates, but it all hinges on Apple’s next move. Keep an eye on Epic’s updates for the latest. Will Apple cave, or is this blackout the new status quo? Toss your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Variety
