Federal Judge Demands Apple Approve Fortnite on App Store or Face Legal Consequences

A federal judge has issued a firm directive to Apple, demanding that the company approve Epic Games’ Fortnite app submission on the U.S. App Store or provide a legal explanation for its refusal. This development is part of an ongoing legal dispute centered on Apple’s App Store policies and its control over app distribution and payment processing.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers expressed clear frustration with Apple’s delay in approving Fortnite, emphasizing that Apple is capable of resolving the issue without further court hearings. She requested that Apple identify the company official responsible for ensuring compliance with the court’s order, signaling the possibility of contempt charges if Apple continues to ignore the injunction.

This legal battle stems from Epic Games’ challenge to Apple’s App Store rules, which historically prohibited apps from linking to external payment options. After a landmark ruling, Apple was ordered to allow such links, enabling developers to bypass Apple’s commission fees on in-app purchases. Epic Games promptly resubmitted Fortnite with these external payment options included.

Despite the court injunction, Apple delayed action on Fortnite’s submission, citing ongoing appeals and legal proceedings. Epic Games responded by filing a motion to compel enforcement of the injunction, pushing the court to hold Apple accountable for its compliance.

This case has broader implications for the software development industry and app marketplaces worldwide. It challenges the dominant platform’s control over payment systems and app approval processes, potentially paving the way for more open ecosystems and fairer revenue models for developers.

Apple’s initial victory in the broader antitrust lawsuit was tempered by the court’s recognition that users should have access to alternative payment options. Following this, major apps like Spotify and Amazon Kindle updated their apps to incorporate these changes, signaling a shift in the App Store’s operational landscape.

The outcome of this enforcement action against Apple will be closely watched by developers, regulators, and platform operators globally. It may influence future legal actions and regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring competitive practices and developer freedoms in digital marketplaces.