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Tag: Epic Games

  • Epic asks court to force Apple to approve Fortnite on App Store in the US

    Epic asks court to force Apple to approve Fortnite on App Store in the US

    Epic Games has filed a request with the U.S. court to let Apple include the Fortnite app in the App Store once again. This is due to Epic releasing a variant of Fortnite on Apple’s iPhone market through its Swedish developer account. Epic’s request was refused by Apple since Epic did not follow its rules.

    Epic claims the decision from Apple is in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU. According to Epic, Apple is looking for excuses to hold off the reintroduction of Fortnite and the Epic Games Store on iPhones.

    The company tried to get both the Epic Games Store and Fortnite reviewed for iOS. However, Apple turned down the submission, claiming Epic did not act honestly. Epic was blocked by Apple because of behavior seen in previous cases and criticisms made in public.

    Epic is trying to persuade the US District Court in California to coerce Apple into approving the Epic account and submitting the app to its store. They state that this needs to be resolved quickly since Apple is harming their company.

    This dispute is part of a series that began in 2020 when Fortnite was dropped from the App Store for using an illegal payment option. Epic is making an effort to provide users with more options and works on obtaining fairer app store policies in the EU.

  • iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    Recent reports have shed light on what we might expect from Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air. Ross Young’s research suggests this smartwatch will be introduced in 2025 with a smaller screen size of 6.1 inches and will also be thinner and lighter than earlier versions. Preliminary specifications may hint that a new front camera will be placed in a hole, making the phone sleeker. The company is evaluating different materials to make the device slimmer and lighter, including a smaller battery.

    Although Apple is working on new iPhones, it is also being threatened by legal challenges. According to a court filing by Epic Games, Apple is not complying with the order made in the previous ruling. Epic claims that Apple is making it difficult for app makers to tell users about less expensive purchasing options, only bypassing the App Store. Currently, developers can link to payment methods outside of Apple’s app store, but it is a complex and time-consuming process that still involves handing over a portion of their sales to Apple.

    Epic is requesting the court to make sure Apple obeys the original order without any problems. It might change the way iPhone apps function and what developers pay in fees. In brief, Apple is working on plenty of new changes in the iPhone 17 Air, but there are concerns about the limited rules for apps on its app store. As both stories play out, Apple’s future could change significantly.

    Source/Via

  • Apple says Fortnite can return to iPhone outside the EU

    Apple says Fortnite can return to iPhone outside the EU

    Epic said that its iOS developer account became inaccessible in certain countries outside of the EU. Apple disputes Epic’s statement by claiming it’s incorrect.

    Apple says that Epic has been using the “Epic Games Sweden AB” account to release new apps in regions around the world. So Epic can use its account to roll out its game store and Fortnite in countries outside the EU, such as the United States.

    The issue emerged after Epic alleged that Apple had barred its account from being used in regions outside the EU. Apple stated that Epic is authorized to upload content to its platform globally. So far, Epic hasn’t released a non-EU version of Fortnite or its game store, even though its account can operate globally.

    At the same time, Epic and Apple are still fighting disputes in the courts and over policies. The EU’s recent Digital Markets Act requires Apple to give developers the ability to set up an alternative to its store in that region. Outside the EU, Apple still manages applications on iPhones, but there is a growing movement in the US and other countries for similar reforms.

    In other words, Fortnite isn’t banned in regions beyond the E,U but the game hasn’t yet become available again for these regions.

  • Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic Games has accused Apple of not letting them put Fortnite back on the App Store in the United States and in Europe. The issue started when Apple reopened Epic’s developer account in Sweden, which should have let the company put its app store in the country and let people play Fortnite on their iPhones again in the EU under the new Digital Markets Act.

    However, Epic says Apple won’t let Epic’s developer account go through in the United States, and is keeping it from moving forward or even stopping it altogether in Europe, too. Epic claims Apple is making these moves so it doesn’t have to face competition from the Epic Games Store, and so Fortnite can’t come back to iPhones.

    According to Epic, Apple is using a few rules and not making it clear what they mean to slow down the progress of competing apps. Even though Apple had let Epic have their developer account in Sweden, they still haven’t finished everything they said they would do. Epic says Apple’s actions show that they don’t care about following the basic rules set in place to make app markets fair.

    Epic also said that because of the delay in the legal processes, they won’t be able to open the Epic Games Store or launch Fortnite for iOS in the EU this year. This is the latest round of a fight that’s been going on between the two companies. Epic is still working to give developers more freedom and is trying to make it easier for people to get apps on iPhones and other iOS devices without Apple having such tight control over that process. Apple has not yet said anything in public about the new claims Epic has made.

  • 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.