Apple Says Fortnite for iOS Isn't Blocked Worldwide, Just the U.S.

[neuropsychguy]

Apple not allowing Epic onto the US storefront is basically telling developers that Apple can ban apps for no reason in the US. Yikes. Very excited for Epic’s ads to not buy an iPhone if the millions of Fortnite players want to play on the go. Bad business decision Apple when it is another reason to buy an android over iPhone for most gamers.

Others have replied, but I will also reply. Epic, years ago, clearly broke the rules of the App Store. Their account was banned years ago because of that. It's not a ban for "no reason".

Also, Apple can and always has been able to ban apps for whatever reason it wants to. Apple created and runs the App Store and has the final say in what apps can be in there.

If you ran a retail store, would you want to allow anyone to put whatever they wanted into the store? Would you want a government to force you to sell a particular model of television from a brand that was actively suing you over different but related matters? To make the analogy even more accurate, selling that television would likely lose you money because that other company is trying to encourage governments to force you to accept products to sell and not make money from them.

Don't think Epic is some innocent company here. It flagrantly broke Apple's App Store rules and then sued over it. It lost that suit (it's won part of a related one) with judges basically telling Epic to that it has no legal grounds for what it's doing.

I've said in other comments that I think Apple should allow 'sideloading' and other app stores. I don't agree with some of Apple's other actions. I do, however, strongly side with Apple on this particular issue with not allowing Fortnite. I used to be more sympathetic towards Epic, but over time I'm less and less sympathetic because of stunts like this.

 

[Starfia]

I'm getting the impression that Sweeney's only remaining significant sense of self-worth lies in finding his name in MacRumors headlines.

 

[surferfb]

Unconstitutional? You want to cite what part of the constitution that this ruling violates?

You may disagree with it, and that's fine, but the anti-steering ruling was already appealed to the Supreme Court, by Apple, and they declined to review it. It stands.

Additionally, every single developer on the App Store has paid to be there. No one is on there for free.

The judge's most recent ruling is potentially in violation of the 5th Amendment's taking clause.

Nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Previous court cases have applied "taking" to both intellectual property and "use of property". So there's a strong argument she can't say "you're not allowed to charge commission" because that would be forcing use of property for public use.

That appeal to that order hasn't been heard by anyone.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

The judge's most recent ruling is potentially in violation of the 5th Amendment's taking clause.


Previous court cases have applied "taking" to both intellectual property and "use of property".

That appeal to that order hasn't been heard by anyone.

There is no "public use". Every single developer has paid, and still pays, to be there.

🥱

 

[surferfb]

There is no "public use". Every single developer has paid, and still pays, to be there.

🥱

Apple, a lawyer friend I asked, and numerous commentators I've read/listened to disagree with you.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Apple, a lawyer friend I asked, and numerous commentators I've read/listened to disagree with you.

My wife, also a lawyer, doesn't think it's public use.

To be fair, though, she does criminal law, not constitutional or IP law.

 

[EM2013]

Tim Sweeney’s bizarre obsession has cost his company billions in lost revenue. It’s a crying shame because Epic is actually a reputable company that makes legitimate contributions to the gaming industry (primarily via its development of the Unreal Engine). Too bad it’s being captained by an Ahab.

Some might argue that they contribute to what’s wrong with the gaming industry, their freemium model, dlc

 

[cliveren13]

Once again anyone who condones what Apple is doing is not looking at free choice for consumers and it shows that Apple doesnt care about the consumers but no company stays on top forever and lets hope the tables dont turn against them.

 

[hieranonymous]

I don’t like his communication style, but putting his money (he’s the controlling shareholder) where his mouth is, is something to be applauded. Much better than profit maximization.

Putting his money where his employees’ mouths are.

 

[soundwarp]

Wonder if this is a case of Apple wanting them to do two separate apps, in case they manage to overturn the ruling so they can easily get rid of the app without them effecting the EU version.

 

[Cameront9]

Wonder if this is a case of Apple wanting them to do two separate apps, in case they manage to overturn the ruling so they can easily get rid of the app without them effecting the EU version.

Again, the ruling that Apple Appealed has NOTHING to do with this. The judge already ruled they are within their rights to ban Epic.

Epic brought this on themselves. They're holding their own app hostage from EU users.

 

[soundwarp]

Again, the ruling that Apple Appealed has NOTHING to do with this. The judge already ruled they are within their rights to ban Epic.

Epic brought this on themselves. They're holding their own app hostage from EU users.

What I said had nothing to do with that, they banned their US account.

 

[patmondal]

I am shocked, I tell you, shocked, that Epic wasn’t being entirely forthright when it said Apple kicked Fortnite off of the EU store.

I couldn’t believe Epic lied! Who could’ve seen that coming!

 

[BGPL]

Time to tap in the US DOJ. It's my phone, I'll put whatever software on it that I please. This is ridiculous and it needs to end now. This whole bit about security is preposterous. If you're terrified of other app stores, don't install them, easy fix, done, you're safe.

 

[GizmoDVD]

Time to tap in the US DOJ. It's my phone, I'll put whatever software on it that I please. This is ridiculous and it needs to end now. This whole bit about security is preposterous. If you're terrified of other app stores, don't install them, easy fix, done, you're safe.

Bro didn't read the ToS.

 

[Adora]

No clue about this game, but I liked Epic Pinball for DOS.

 

[tylerthomas28]

I’m getting tired of Apple telling me what I can and cannot install on MY iPhone, and I’m tired of my iPad being stunted by iPad OS.

I’m about to switch my daily driver to Android. I’ve been an Apple loyalist since I was a kid, but the “you will own nothing and be happy” sentiment companies are pushing on us - degrading our ownership rights in the name of protecting a revenue stream - is getting out of hand! That’s what this about … OWNERSHIP!

This isn’t Apple VS Epic… It’s Apple vs Consumers - the people who just want to use OUR devices the way we want!

Totally agree with you. I’ve been a Mac user since 2009 and always loved iPods and the simplicity Apple was known for. But over time, that simplicity turned into restriction. I finally switched earlier this year after 12 years on iOS, picked up the OnePlus 13, and haven’t looked back.

I got tired of Apple telling me what I can and can’t install on my own device. I’ve yet to hear a valid or convincing argument for why iPhones should be locked down this way. If it were truly about safety, they’d do the same on macOS, but they don’t. We aren’t stupid. Safeguards can absolutely be put in place for those who need them. This isn’t about safety. It’s about control, profit, and keeping users boxed in.

You’re right. This isn’t Apple versus Epic. It’s Apple versus consumers who just want to use the devices they paid for however they want. Voting with your wallet is one of the strongest things we can do, and I’m glad I finally did.

 

[Richdmoore]

Apple’s rigidity is absurd. With U.S. and EU regulators clearly pushing for openness, Apple should embrace flexibility and foresight, learning from Microsoft’s antitrust battles two decades ago. Pettiness won’t serve them well; they should demonstrate cooperation. Meanwhile, Epic’s approach is equally frustrating. They shouldn’t conflate EU and U.S. issues or disrupt service for EU users. Moreover, there’s no excuse for not releasing a proper macOS version of Fortnite—Epic has the EU developer account, and the Epic Store already runs on macOS. Apple Silicon could handle Fortnite flawlessly, yet Epic seems to be making a point rather than acting in users’ interests. Both companies’ stubbornness is exasperating.

It’s possible to side load the iPad app now onto macOS (Apple silicon). It could use some enhanced graphics and keyboard/mouse but the current app works fine. All I can figure is that it’s worth it to Epic to withhold macOS support as they think it puts pressure on Apple (it really doesn’t, in my opinion.)

 

[Abazigal]

I’m getting tired of Apple telling me what I can and cannot install on MY iPhone, and I’m tired of my iPad being stunted by iPad OS.

I’m about to switch my daily driver to Android. I’ve been an Apple loyalist since I was a kid, but the “you will own nothing and be happy” sentiment companies are pushing on us - degrading our ownership rights in the name of protecting a revenue stream - is getting out of hand! That’s what this about … OWNERSHIP!

This isn’t Apple VS Epic… It’s Apple vs Consumers - the people who just want to use OUR devices the way we want!

In contrast, I am happy with the current arrangement. There is one central App Store where all apps are hosted, meaning I don't have to install third party app stores (which in turn means that developers cannot limit apps to their own app stores in a bid to get users to venture beyond the App Store).

Likewise, I find that iPadOS remains the ideal OS for my work as a teacher. I don't really need the complexity of macOS when I am in the classroom or on the sofa, but I do appreciate the simplicity, ease of use and that it's optimised for touch.

You are free to switch to Android if you want to prove a point. I suspect you will realise that the grass isn't really greener on the other side. In the very last, what's the point of being to sideload when the apps you have come to love on iOS just aren't available on Android? And honestly, the number one reason for wanting to sideload is really just piracy and a general unwillingness to pay for apps and content.

In reality, it's more like Apple vs a small group of vocal consumers who want a certain feature on iOS, and don't mind spoiling the experience for everybody else just to get it.

 

[icanhazapple]

Apple wants to make a point that attempting to defraud Apple will result in a ban from App Store.

Exactly. The original reason they were banned from the App Store (attempting to offer a payment mechanism outside of Apple's control) has been struck done by a US court. The original ban reason is subsequently null and void.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Totally agree with you. I’ve been a Mac user since 2009 and always loved iPods and the simplicity Apple was known for. But over time, that simplicity turned into restriction. I finally switched earlier this year after 12 years on iOS, picked up the OnePlus 13, and haven’t looked back.

I got tired of Apple telling me what I can and can’t install on my own device. I’ve yet to hear a valid or convincing argument for why iPhones should be locked down this way. If it were truly about safety, they’d do the same on macOS, but they don’t. We aren’t stupid. Safeguards can absolutely be put in place for those who need them. This isn’t about safety. It’s about control, profit, and keeping users boxed in.

You’re right. This isn’t Apple versus Epic. It’s Apple versus consumers who just want to use the devices they paid for however they want. Voting with your wallet is one of the strongest things we can do, and I’m glad I finally did.

This does always seem to boil down to an argument about closed vs open systems. You want an open system? Great! You joined the majority on Android, enjoy it! (And I mean that sincerely)

What I want to know is what gives anyone the right to force me to use a system I don’t want? I prefer a closed system for various reasons, so I need to be forced, by law if necessary, to use an open system? How is that a good thing?

 

[icanhazapple]

In contrast, I am happy with the current arrangement. There is one central App Store where all apps are hosted, meaning I don't have to install third party app stores (which in turn means that developers cannot limit apps to their own app stores in a bid to get users to venture beyond the App Store).

Likewise, I find that iPadOS remains the ideal OS for my work as a teacher. I don't really need the complexity of macOS when I am in the classroom or on the sofa, but I do appreciate the simplicity, ease of use and that it's optimised for touch.

You are free to switch to Android if you want to prove a point. I suspect you will realise that the grass isn't really greener on the other side. In the very last, what's the point of being to sideload when the apps you have come to love on iOS just aren't available on Android? And honestly, the number one reason for wanting to sideload is really just piracy and a general unwillingness to pay for apps and content.

In reality, it's more like Apple vs a small group of vocal consumers who want a certain feature on iOS, and don't mind spoiling the experience for everybody else just to get it.

So how many decades will it take for mobile computing platforms to resemble their desktop counterparts, because its been nearly two decades since the iPhone was initially released, and people are ready to be treated like adults and not be contained within a walled garden.

"sWitCH tO AnDroiD" is the dumbest thing I've ever heard and is a quick way to show you have no actual knowledge of operating systems, platforms , and consumer choice.

Try the inverse of what you're saying - "I want to only download things from the MacOS app store instead of being able to download MacOS apps from anywhere online" said no one, ever. There is no fundamental difference between iOS and MacOS from a fundamental operating system design standpoint. There is only control over payment mechanisms and how applications are installed / notarized binaries.

It's way, way overdue to break through this walled garden. I am very happy that Epic has finally pushed this forward.

 

[rgeneral]

Should be blocked

 

[tylerthomas28]

This does always seem to boil down to an argument about closed vs open systems. You want an open system? Great! You joined the majority on Android, enjoy it! (And I mean that sincerely)

What I want to know is what gives anyone the right to force me to use a system I don’t want? I prefer a closed system for various reasons, so I need to be forced, by law if necessary, to use an open system? How is that a good thing?

Totally fair question, and I appreciate the sincerity.

I don’t think anyone’s arguing that people must use an open system. If you prefer a closed one and it works for your needs, that’s absolutely your right and I wouldn’t want that taken away from you. The issue is more about giving consumers a choice within the same platform.

The goal of recent legal and regulatory pushes isn’t to eliminate the closed experience Apple provides but to allow alternatives for those who want more control, like sideloading, alternate app stores, or different payment systems. If someone wants to stay fully within Apple’s curated experience, they still can. But if another user wants more flexibility, they should have that option too.

No one should be forced either way. The problem is that right now, Apple users only get one choice, and for a lot of us, that feels increasingly restrictive.

 

[Plerf]

The more Tim Sweeney runs his mouth the more we see him for the lying turd sack he is.