Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says Apple has yet to approve Fortnite’s return to the App Store, even though Epic submitted the app last Friday.
Speaking on X, Sweeney warned that iOS players in the US could miss out on a big Fortnite update set for this Friday if Apple doesn’t act soon.
In the meantime, Apple removed a fake game, Fort Battle Royale Epic Shoot, which was loaded with ads and misleading players looking for Fortnite. Another clone, Epic Survival Battle Royale 3D Clash Squad Battle Royale 3D, is still live on the App Store, approved by Apple.
Sweeney directly called out Apple, posting: “Hey @AppStore can we get the real Fortnite up pls?”
The delay comes as developers begin using Epic’s new Webshops feature, allowing them to sell directly to players without using Apple’s payment system. Epic says it offers 0% fees on the first $1 million in revenue and 12% after that, compared to Apple’s 15–30% cut.
Sweeney says Apple “can’t stop” iOS users from visiting Epic’s online store unless it blocks the internet itself, adding that Epic plans to fully defend its right to serve iOS developers and users.
For now, Fortnite fans on iOS are stuck waiting. Epic says Apple has neither approved nor rejected its app, leaving the Friday update in “jeopardy”, says Sweeney. In the meantime, Apple is selling App Store keyword ads for the search term, “Fortnite”.
“Hi Tim. How about if you let our mutual customers access Fortnite? Just a thought,” said Sweeney in an X reply to Apple CEO Tim Cook on Thursday evening.
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