Epic asks judge to make Apple let Fortnite back on the US App Store

The Verge - May 17th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Epic Games is urging District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to compel Apple to review and approve Fortnite's submission to the US App Store, alleging that Apple is defying a previous court order. Epic argues that Apple's refusal to act on the submission until the Ninth Circuit's decision on a partial stay of the injunction is retaliatory. Epic claims its submission complies with Apple’s guidelines, despite Apple's insistence on waiting for further legal developments.

The ongoing legal saga between Epic and Apple has broader implications for app developers and the tech industry's regulatory landscape. Epic's latest move seeks to leverage previous judicial dissatisfaction with Apple to push for compliance. The complicated legal and geographical dynamics underscore the high stakes in this tech giant clash, which could set precedents for app distribution and digital marketplace operations worldwide.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, focusing on the implications for the tech industry and app developers. The story is timely and relevant, given the high-profile nature of the companies involved and the potential impact on app store policies. While the article is generally accurate and clear, it could benefit from additional verification of certain claims and a more balanced representation of Apple's perspective. The piece effectively captures the controversy surrounding the dispute and engages readers interested in technology and legal affairs. Overall, the article is a well-written and informative account of a significant legal issue with broad implications for the industry.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a factual account of the ongoing legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple regarding the inclusion of Fortnite in the U.S. App Store. It accurately states Epic's request to the court for Apple to review and approve Fortnite's submission, contingent on compliance with Apple's guidelines. The article also correctly notes Apple's response that it will not act on the submission until the Ninth Circuit rules on a pending request. The factual claims regarding the legal background and the judge's previous rulings are consistent with known court proceedings. However, the story could benefit from verifying Epic's claim about Apple's alleged retaliation and the specifics of the app's compliance with guidelines. Overall, the article is well-supported by facts but could be enhanced by additional verification on certain claims.

7
Balance

The article provides a relatively balanced view of the conflict between Epic Games and Apple. It includes perspectives from both parties, detailing Epic's accusations of retaliation and Apple's rationale for delaying the app's review. However, the piece leans slightly towards Epic's viewpoint by emphasizing its claims and legal actions without equally exploring Apple's legal strategy or potential justifications. While it mentions Apple's position, the article could provide a more comprehensive exploration of Apple's reasoning to ensure a balanced representation of both sides.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, effectively communicating the main points of the legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple. The language is straightforward, and the structure follows a logical progression, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context on the legal background and implications of the court's decisions. Including a brief explanation of the previous rulings and their impact on the current situation would enhance the reader's understanding of the story.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from Epic Games and Apple, as well as legal documents, which are credible sources for this story. However, it lacks direct quotes from court documents or legal experts who could provide deeper insights into the implications of the court's decisions. The reliance on secondary sources, like 9to5Mac, without direct attribution or quotes from involved parties, slightly diminishes the source quality. Including more authoritative sources or direct statements from legal experts would enhance the reliability of the information presented.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the ongoing legal dispute and the positions of both Epic Games and Apple. However, it lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology used to gather the information and the specific sources of some claims. The piece would benefit from more explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained, such as direct quotes from court documents or clarification of the legal context. Greater transparency in these areas would help readers better understand the basis of the claims and the potential biases in the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://fortune.com/2025/05/17/apple-blocks-fortnite-on-ios-app-store/
  2. https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/16/epic-games-says-apple-is-blocking-fortnite-from-the-us-and-eu-app-stores/
  3. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-05-02/ruling-apple-app-store-epic-games
  4. https://www.ign.com/articles/epic-says-apple-has-blocked-fortnites-return-to-the-us-app-store-and-now-tim-sweeney-is-tweeting-tim-cook-to-complain
  5. https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/240272