What to know

  • Epic Games has filed a court motion to force Apple to restore Fortnite to the App Store.
  • This action is the latest development in the long-running legal dispute between the two companies.
  • The case centers around app distribution policies and payment systems on iOS devices.

Epic Games has escalated its ongoing legal battle with Apple by filing a motion asking the court to compel Apple to reinstate its popular game Fortnite on the App Store, as reported by Mark Gurman.

The gaming company's latest legal maneuver comes after Fortnite was removed from the App Store following Epic's implementation of its own payment system that bypassed Apple's standard 30% commission on in-app purchases.

Epic's attorneys argue that Apple's refusal to reinstate the game constitutes anticompetitive behavior and harms consumers who can no longer access Fortnite on iOS devices. The motion claims Apple is unfairly using its control over the App Store to maintain its market dominance.

Apple has consistently defended its App Store policies as necessary to maintain security, privacy, and quality for iOS users. The company has previously stated that Epic could return to the App Store if it complied with the same rules that apply to all developers.

The dispute began when Epic deliberately violated Apple's terms of service by implementing a direct payment option in Fortnite that circumvented Apple's payment system. This led to the game's removal from the App Store and sparked a legal battle that has now stretched on for several years.

Legal experts suggest this latest motion indicates Epic's determination to challenge Apple's control over app distribution on iOS, rather than simply seeking to restore its game to the platform under existing terms.

The court has not yet ruled on Epic's motion. If granted, it could have significant implications for Apple's App Store policies and potentially open the door for other developers to challenge the company's app distribution model.

Via: 9to5Mac