Update: In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple has said: “We asked that Epic Sweden resubmit the app update without including the US storefront of the App Store so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies. We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces in the EC”
This comes after Epic announced on X that Fortnite on iOS will now be offline worldwide as Apple has blocked its submission to the App Store.
Epic Games officially resubmitted Fortnite to the iOS App Store just a day ago, after waiting for over 120 hours following it’s first submission. Well, Apple still hasn’t responded. Despite the silence, recent actions suggest Apple is paying attention. So why is Fortnite still in limbo?
Apple Is Responding to Epic, Just Not on Fortnite
In a move that stirred hope among fans, Epic submitted Fortnite for iOS again through its Sweden-based developer account. While Apple hasn’t acknowledged the submission, it did take swift action when Epic CEO Tim Sweeney publicly flagged Fortnite knock-offs appearing on the App Store. Apple quietly removed them.
That response shows Apple is clearly monitoring Epic’s activity, but when it comes to reviewing or reinstating Fortnite itself, the tech giant remains silent.
A Deliberate Delay or a Quiet Grudge?
App submissions to the iOS Store are typically reviewed within 24 hours. Epic’s second Fortnite submission has now gone over close to 48 hours hours without a status update. That’s not a technical delay, it’s a message.
Given the history between Epic and Apple, many are speculating this is more than just process-related. Is Apple holding a quiet grudge? Is this its way of stonewalling while avoiding public backlash?
Apple isn’t rejecting Fortnite, but the lack of movement speaks volumes. The message appears to be: we see you, we’re just not letting you in.
Fortnite’s Return Attempt, and the Bigger Picture
Epic’s original May 9 submission went unanswered for five days before being voluntarily withdrawn and replaced to accommodate a Friday game update. That second submission is now the one hanging in limbo.
Fortnite leaker, Shiina posted on X that Fortnite does not have any update on the submission:
Many expected some signal of progress, but instead, there’s silence, and that silence is telling. While Apple has shown it’s willing to act on Epic’s complaints (like removing fake Fortnite apps), it’s still not engaging directly on the core issue: letting Fortnite return to iOS.
Related: Apple’s Scare Tactics for Third-Party App Payments Could Backfire
Apple Is Watching, But Still Not Welcoming
For now, Apple is clearly observing Epic’s moves. It’s listening when the company speaks up, but when it comes to letting Fortnite back into the App Store, Apple continues to say nothing. It’s not just about policy anymore. The silence feels strategic, and maybe, a little personal.
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