A federal judge is pressing Apple to approve Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store or to head back to court to clarify its legal stance for delay. In a recent development, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers acknowledged Epic Games’ motion demanding Fortnite’s approval for distribution, highlighting frustration with Apple’s inaction.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers urged Apple to justify ignoring the court’s directive, hinting that further court appearances might be necessary if the situation remains unresolved. The judge also requested the name of the Apple official responsible for adhering to the court’s decision, suggesting possible contempt charges for non-compliance.
This situation follows the judge’s earlier criticism of Apple for circumventing court orders. Epic Games had regained the right to include links to external payment mechanisms in its app, prompting them to resubmit Fortnite to the App Store. Apple, however, chose to wait for a ruling on its appeal before taking action on Epic’s submission.
The tensions stem from a prolonged court battle over Apple’s App Store policies, which historically restricted developers from linking to alternative payment options without incurring a commission. Apple initially allowed exceptions but maintained a slightly reduced commission and required warning screens for external purchases.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling that Apple was in “willful violation” regarding anticompetitive practices was seen as a win for developers, implying Fortnite’s return was imminent. Nonetheless, Apple stalled on the submission, crafting a legal response instead.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent, potentially influencing similar legal challenges or regulations worldwide. Although Apple won the initial antitrust case, Epic secured a significant win by ensuring alternative payment options were permissible. Following the ruling, notable apps like Spotify and Patreon swiftly adapted to the new policy changes.
Neither Epic Games nor Apple provided comments on the ongoing matter.
