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Tag: Epic Games

  • Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Fortnite fans hoping to play the game on iPhones in the EU will have to keep waiting. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, says Apple still hasn’t allowed Epic’s developer account to go live, even though Epic was hoping to relaunch Fortnite on iOS in Europe this year.

    Back in March, Apple restored Epic’s developer account after the EU passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which pressures big tech companies to allow fair competition. Epic planned to use this opportunity to bring its own app store and Fortnite back to Apple devices in the EU.

    But things haven’t moved forward since then. Sweeney recently shared that Apple has not approved Epic’s final app store submission. Without this approval, Epic can’t release anything—not even a test version of Fortnite or its game store. According to Sweeney, they submitted their final version weeks ago but have heard nothing.

    This delay is causing frustration at Epic. Sweeney says Apple is “stonewalling” them, meaning they’re not giving updates or moving the process along.

    Apple hasn’t commented on the situation, and it’s unclear why they’re holding back approval.

    The EU’s new rules were designed to stop these kinds of delays, so if Apple continues to block Epic, regulators might step in. For now, though, Fortnite fans in Europe will just have to stay patient.

  • Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple is dealing with two big legal issues. First, the company agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private talks without permission. If you owned a Siri-enabled device like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and Siri accidentally turned on during a private conversation, you might get up to $20 per device, for up to five devices.

    You need to submit a claim by July 2, 2025, swearing the activation happened during a confidential moment. The final amount depends on how many people claim. Apple says Siri data was never used for ads and settled to avoid more court fights. Meanwhile, Apple is also in a legal tussle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Epic, the maker of Fortnite, won a court ruling saying Apple must let developers tell users about other payment options outside the App Store.

    Apple wants to pause these changes while appealing, arguing it needs time to adjust and protect users. Epic disagrees, saying Apple’s delays hurt competition. The court hasn’t decided yet, but this fight could change how apps handle payments. Both cases show Apple navigating tough legal waters. The Siri settlement offers some users a small payout, while the Epic battle could reshape the App Store’s future. For now, Apple is balancing user trust and business rules as these cases unfold.

    Source/Via

  • Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch Sales Decline

    For two years, Apple Watch sales have been falling worldwide, according to recent data. The smartwatch, once a must-have gadget, is losing ground to competitors offering similar features at lower prices. Experts suggest Apple needs to introduce exciting new features to win back customers.

    Ideas like better health tracking, such as blood pressure monitoring, or a fresh design could help. Without these changes, Apple risks falling behind in the fast-moving wearable tech market. The company’s focus on small updates hasn’t been enough to keep users hooked, and many are choosing other brands that feel more innovative or affordable.

    Epic Games’ Fight with Apple

    Meanwhile, Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $1 billion battling Apple’s App Store rules, says CEO Tim Sweeney. The five-year legal fight challenged Apple’s control over in-app payments, costing Epic millions in legal fees and lost iOS revenue.

    Despite the huge price tag, Sweeney believes it was worth it to push for a fairer app market. The recent court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options, a win for Epic. This could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and reduce Apple’s 30% fee on app purchases, benefiting developers and players alike.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple faces challenges on two fronts: reviving the Apple Watch with bold new features and navigating a shifting App Store landscape. Both situations highlight the need for Apple to adapt to stay competitive in tech and gaming markets.

  • Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $100 million fighting Apple’s App Store rules, according to CEO Tim Sweeney. This legal battle, which started in 2020, has cost Epic even more in lost earnings, possibly up to $1 billion since Fortnite was removed from the App Store.

    Despite the high price, Epic won a key victory: a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. This change could save developers money and lower prices for users.

    Epic plans to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store soon, possibly this week, using its Sweden-based account since Apple banned its U.S. account. However, the return isn’t certain, as Apple’s approval is still needed. Sweeney hopes Apple will apply these new rules worldwide, which could end Epic’s lawsuits against them.

    Meanwhile, a new bill in Florida aims to challenge Apple’s control over the App Store. Proposed by Congresswoman Kat Cammack, the App Store Freedom Act would force Apple to allow third-party app stores and payment systems. It also lets users remove pre-installed apps and ensures developers can distribute apps elsewhere without penalties.

    Supported by Epic and others, this bill could further weaken Apple’s grip on its app market. These changes show a growing push to make app stores fairer. While Epic’s fight has been costly, it’s paving the way for more choices for developers and users. Apple plans to appeal the court ruling, so the battle isn’t over yet.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Fortnite’s return and Apple’s App Store troubles

    Fortnite’s return and Apple’s App Store troubles

    Epic Games is bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store after a five-year ban, using its Sweden-based account to bypass Apple’s restrictions. This follows a legal battle that began when Apple removed Epic’s U.S. developer account for breaking App Store rules.

    Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, has discussed this plan with Apple, though it’s unclear if Apple fully agrees. The move comes after a court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options without charging fees, a change Epic is leveraging to reintroduce Fortnite.

    Meanwhile, Apple faces a new lawsuit from developers upset over its handling of these court-ordered changes. In 2021, a judge ruled Apple must let developers direct users to outside payment methods. However, when Apple complied in 2024, it still charged 12-27% fees on external transactions, which developers also had to pay alongside payment processor costs.

    The court called this anticompetitive, and now a company called Pure Sweat Basketball, backed by a law firm, is suing Apple on behalf of developers. They claim Apple’s actions unfairly limit competition and hurt their businesses.

    Epic has proposed a deal: if Apple removes its fees globally, Epic will drop all lawsuits and bring Fortnite back worldwide. So far, Apple hasn’t budged and plans to appeal the court’s ruling. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between Apple and developers over App Store policies, with Fortnite’s return marking a significant moment in the fight for fairer rules.

  • Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    Apple faced a significant loss in its legal fight with Epic Games, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals backed a 2021 decision. The court ruled that Apple’s tight grip on App Store payments breaks California’s laws against unfair business practices.

    This case, sparked by Epic’s 2020 lawsuit, criticized Apple’s 30% cut on in-app purchases and its block on other payment options. The ruling opens the door for app makers to guide users to alternative payment systems, sidestepping Apple’s fees.

    This could mean lower costs for developers and possibly cheaper apps for consumers. While Apple avoided a harsher judgment—Epic’s claim that Apple runs an unlawful monopoly was dismissed—the decision weakens Apple’s control over its App Store.

    Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, hailed the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney calling it a victory for app creators everywhere. Apple, defending its policies as vital for user safety, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The clash has already forced changes in how apps manage payments, with more shifts likely on the horizon.

    This outcome may push Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions, giving developers greater flexibility. The Epic-Apple showdown is far from over, but it’s already reshaping the world of mobile apps.

  • Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    With Mother’s Day coming up on May 11, Apple is rolling out some sweet Apple Pay deals to help you find the perfect gift. From now until May 11, you can save on flowers, jewelry, chocolates, and more at stores like 1-800-Flowers, Pandora, and Godiva. Just use Apple Pay at checkout to grab these discounts.

    Plus, AT&T has a big offer: get up to $1,000 off an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max with a qualifying trade-in and unlimited plan. They’re also throwing in a deal where you can buy two Apple Watches and save $300 if you add a new line. Check out these offers to make Mom’s day special!

    Meanwhile, Epic Games is shaking things up for iOS developers in the EU. They’re launching a program to cover Apple’s fees for developers who sell apps through the Epic Games Store. This move, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, aims to make it easier for developers to offer their apps without worrying about extra costs.

    Epic is also working on bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store and has proposed a truce with Apple to smooth things over. These changes could give developers more freedom and bring more games to your iPhone. Both Apple’s Mother’s Day deals and Epic’s new plan show how companies are finding creative ways to connect with users and developers. Whether it’s saving on gifts or supporting app creators, something exciting is happening in the tech world.

    Source/Via

  • Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    A U.S. judge has called out an Apple executive for not telling the truth in court during a legal fight with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. On Wednesday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Alex Roman, Apple’s vice president of finance, misled the court about a 27% fee the company charged for purchases made outside its App Store.

    This fee, a slight discount from the standard 30%, was introduced after a 2021 court ruling that forced Apple to let developers direct users to alternative payment methods. The judge described Roman’s statements as “deceptive and untruthful,” citing internal emails that revealed Apple had been planning the fee since July 2023.

    She also slammed Apple for failing to fix the false claims and for not following the court’s directive to support fair competition. The case has now been referred to a U.S. attorney to explore possible criminal contempt charges against Roman and Apple.

    Apple said it respects the court’s decision but plans to appeal, arguing it disagrees with the ruling. The court also prohibited Apple from restricting developers’ ability to promote external payment options or charging fees on those transactions.

    Epic Games cheered the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney confirming Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store next week. Sweeney also offered Apple a deal: extend these changes worldwide, and Epic will drop all related lawsuits. This decision is a big victory for Epic Games and could change how Apple manages its App Store, impacting developers and users everywhere.