Tech Desk 
May 16, 2025
Fortnite is again in the middle of a controversy with Apple. The fast-paced action game with creative building modes and large-scale pop culture partnerships has been prevented from returning to the iOS App Store, not only in the US but internationally.
Based on a report by Epic Games, Apple has rejected their newest proposal to restore Fortnite on iPhones and iPads. The action surprises many fans, particularly after recent court developments that had paved the way for the game's return.
Apple vs Fortnite
Epic had been set to release Fortnite on iOS with its May 16 update. However, because of Apple's move, the game won't be found on iOS devices globally, including the European Union through the Epic Games Store.
The timing could not be more inconvenient for the fans since Fortnite is now running its Galactic Battle mini-season that is filled with Star Wars content.
Players were looking forward to testing new skins such as Emperor Palpatine, Mace Windu, and General Grievous and wielding traditional guns such as lightsabers and blasters. The update came a day late, and many were hoping it was a sign of a return on iOS, but that did not occur.
The Apple vs. Epic war dates back to 2020, when Fortnite was initially dropped from the App Store due to payment issues. It has been tense ever since, even carrying over into the game itself in the form of tongue-in-cheek content such as the Tart Tycoon skin, a dig at Apple.
