Apple includes Fortnite access on iPhones across the US and the EU amid a dispute with epic games: Here's what happened | Mint

Apple once again blocked access to the popular video game fortnite on iPhones across the United States and through Epic Games’ own shop in the European Union, according to a statement from the game developer on Friday. Epic games have announced that players no longer have access to Fortnite via Apple’s iOS operating system or the App Store worldwide until the technical giant reverses the restriction. The company did not provide a specific reason for the renewed block, and Apple has not yet issued a public response. Dispute between Apple and Epic Games This development is the latest chapter in a long -standing dispute between the two firms. The conflict began in 2020 when Epic Apple’s commission policy disputed, raising developers up to 30 percent on purchases in the app, claiming to violate the US antitrust laws. After the initial ban in 2020, Fortnite did not remain available on Apple’s platforms for several years. The game was reinstated last year after the European Union regulatory pressure, which forced large technical firms to comply with the Digital Markets Act aimed at combating monopolistic practices. In a significant move in 2024, the American Tech giant also approved Epic Games’ digital market for iPhones and iPads within the EU, which has a possible thawing in tension. However, the latest block indicates that underlying disputes remain unresolved. Earlier this month, Epic Games secured a legal victory against Apple, although the implications of the ruling on the current situation are unclear. Fortnite, which was launched in 2017, rose rapidly with its distinctive Battle Royale game to global prominence. Epic games, supported by Chinese technical giant Tencent, have since become one of the largest video game studios in the world. The game community is now awaiting further updates as the downtime between the two technical heavyweights continues.