Apple has been given a court deadline of May 21 to explain why Fortnite remains blocked from the iOS App Store, despite recent rulings in Epic Games’ favor. The order was issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, escalating the long-running legal battle between Apple and Epic Games.
Fortnite’s Return Delayed Despite Court Injunction
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed on May 19 that Apple had been formally ordered to respond to a motion requesting enforcement of an earlier injunction. That injunction, stemming from a 2021 ruling and reaffirmed on April 30, 2025, found that Apple had violated court orders by continuing to block the Fortnite app.
Although Epic submitted updated Fortnite builds for iOS review shortly after the court’s April ruling, Apple rejected the app on May 16. Sweeney publicly criticized the delay, suggesting that Apple’s senior leadership may be intentionally “weaponizing” the review process to stall Fortnite’s return.
Court Order Demands Justification or Court Appearance
If Apple fails to respond by 5:00 PM PT on May 21, the court has ordered the responsible Apple executive to appear in person for a hearing on May 27 in Oakland. Should Apple file its response on time, Epic Games will have until 10:00 AM PT on May 23 to submit a reply.
The move follows Apple’s position that it does not need to comply with the district court’s enforcement requests until its appeal is heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. However, Judge Rogers’ latest order signals a more aggressive stance toward Apple’s alleged noncompliance.
Fortnite Still Missing While Competitors Thrive
Fortnite’s prolonged absence from the iOS App Store stands in contrast to other battle royale titles such as PUBG Mobile, which continue to enjoy strong presence on Apple’s platform. The situation has led to mounting frustration among Fortnite fans and developers alike, especially given that previous legal decisions should have paved the way for its reinstatement.
Ongoing Legal Pressure for Epic Games
This legal struggle with Apple is not Epic’s only concern. The company is also facing new scrutiny from SAG-AFTRA over the use of AI-powered NPCs in Fortnite, including the recently introduced Darth Vader character. The union has raised questions about AI voice generation and its implications for actor rights in gaming.
Whether or not Fortnite will return to the App Store in the near future now hinges on Apple’s court-mandated response and any additional rulings that follow. The next several days could prove critical in resolving one of the most high-profile digital platform disputes of the decade.
