Three years after the best-selling game was removed from the App Store for violating platform rules, Tim Sweeney has teased a return of the game to Apple's mobile operating system.
Sweeney posted a picture of a character looking up at fireworks and said, "Next year onios!" In order to comply with the recently passed Digital Markets Act in Europe, Apple is said to be planning to allow sideloading and alternative app stores with the new operating system. Under the law, the game could not be brought to the App Store.
The game was removed from the App Store after it was found that it circumvented Apple's in-app purchasing system. Apple blamed Epic for violating its rules for removing the game from the store. There was a statement from Apple.
Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem - including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we're glad they've built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.
The lawsuit was filed due to the removal of the game from the App Store. We're trying to get open platforms and policy changes that benefit all developers. It's going to be a great fight. "I said it at the time."
In September of 2021, a court ruled that Apple should allow developers to add in-app links to outside websites, paving the way for alternate payment options that do not require developers to use the in-app purchase system.
Apple's control over the App Store is anti-competitive, and alternative app stores should be allowed on the iPhone, according to a claim by Epic Games. Apple believes that the App Store is the safest and most trusted way for developers to reach users. The App Store has been called a "disservice to developers" before.
The guide contains a full round-up of events and the latest developments in the case.
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