"Unable to Play Fortnite on iPhone for Years"… Apple Continues to Ban Epic Accounts

Apple "Epic Developer Account Banned Until Lawsuit Ends"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Apple has decided to continue banning Epic Games' developer accounts on its devices until the legal dispute with the U.S. game company Epic Games is completely resolved. As a result, games from Epic Games such as 'Fortnite' will not be available on iPhones for the coming years.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 22nd (local time), citing a Twitter post by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, that Apple informed Epic that it would not restore the developer program account until the legal dispute is fully settled, rejecting Epic's request to reinstate the account.

In a letter delivered to Epic's lawyers, Apple's legal counsel stated, "Apple has exercised its discretion not to restore Epic's developer program account at this time," adding, "Furthermore, Apple will not consider any requests to restore Epic accounts until the district court's ruling becomes a final decision that cannot be appealed."

After revealing this letter on Twitter, CEO Sweeney said Apple's decision was another broken promise by them and called it "another anti-competitive action," vowing to continue the fight against Apple.

He quoted Apple's previous statement welcoming Epic's return and agreeing to follow the same rules as others on the App Store, saying, "Apple lied. Epic agreed, but Apple broke its promise and is committing another monopoly abuse against 1 billion users."

He further emphasized, "The need for regulatory and legislative measures is clearer than ever," predicting the battle will last about five years and stating, "We will keep fighting."

Apple's move is expected to further escalate the ongoing legal battle between the two companies that has been continuing for months.

In August last year, Apple removed Epic's Fortnite from the App Store, claiming that Fortnite violated the rules by offering users payment options other than in-app purchases. In response, Epic filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of violating antitrust laws.

In the lawsuit, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Oakland ruled on the 10th that Apple's ban on developers providing alternative in-app payment methods to app users was anti-competitive.

However, regarding the ban on Epic's account, the court sided with Apple, stating that Apple has the right to remove Fortnite from its devices. Epic appealed the ruling.

Earlier last month, after the 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act' (an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act) passed the National Assembly, Epic Games requested Apple to restore the developer account for 'Fortnite' on the iPhone platform in South Korea, but Apple immediately rejected the request.