Is Apple Defying Court Orders to Keep Fortnite Off the App Store?

A judge just called out Apple’s leadership by name, demanding answers—or a courtroom showdown—over Fortnite’s blocked return to the App Store. The latest twist in the Apple vs. Apple saga pits Tim Sweeney’s Epic Games against the tech giant’s notorious App Store policies. With Spotify and Amazon already complying with court-mandated changes, why is Fortnite still in limbo? Let’s unpack the drama.

💥 The Core Conflict: A Legal Showdown Over App Store Control

This isn’t just about Fortnite—it’s a battle over who controls app distribution. Here’s the breakdown:

• 🚨 2020 Flashback: Apple booted Fortnite after Epic added a direct payment system, skirting Apple’s 30% fee. Epic sued, sparking a landmark antitrust case.
• ⚖️ 2021 Ruling: Apple mostly won, but the court ordered it to let apps link to external payment options. Apple dragged its feet, adding a 27% fee instead—a move Judge Rogers later called out as deceptive.
• 📅 May 2025 Standoff: Epic resubmitted Fortnite with an external payment system, but Apple froze the process, claiming it’ll wait for an appeals court ruling. Judge Rogers isn’t buying it: “Apple is fully capable of resolving this issue now.”
• 👨⚖️ Personal Accountability: The judge warned that an unnamed Apple executive must appear in court on May 27 if the stalemate continues.

✅ The Path Forward: Comply or Face Consequences

Apple’s playbook is under a microscope. Here’s what’s happen next:

• ✅ Judge’s Ultimatum: Apple has until May 27 to either approve Fortnite or legally justify its delay. No more waiting for the Ninth Circuit’s stay decision.
• ✅ Precedent Set: Spotify and Amazon Kindle already updated their apps with external purchase options—and Apple approved them. This weakens Apple’s argument that Fortnite’s case is unique.
• ✅ Public Pressure: Epic CEO Tim Sweeney’s rallying support on X, accusing Apple of “ignoring” their submission. The court of Apple stonewalling while rivals comply is a PR nightmare.

⚠️ Roadblocks: Apple’s Reluctance and Legal Maneuvering

Why is Apple digging in? Here’s the messy reality:

• 🚧 The 27% Fee Fight: Apple insists it’s entitled to a cut even for off-platform purchases. Judge Rogers called this a “workaround” to her original order, but Apple’s appealing—and stalling.
• ⚖️ Ninth Circuit Wild Card: Apple’s banking on the appeals court granting a stay, which could buy time until late May or June. But the judge’s order suggests she’s done waiting.
• 💸 Billions at Stake: If Apple loses control over in-app payments, its lucrative App Store revenue (estimated at $24 billion annually) coulds plummet. For context, that’s roughly 6% of Apple’s total revenue.

🚀 Final Thoughts: A Tipping Point for App Store Dominance

This isn’t just about Fortnite—it’s about whether Apple can defy court orders to protect its revenue model. Success hinges on:

• ✅ Compliance: Approving Fortnite ASAP to avoid a courtroom spectacle and fines.
• 📉 Legal Risk: If Apple loses its appeal, the 27% fee coulds be scrapped entirely, costing billions.
• 🌍 Ecosystem Impact: A win for Epic coulds embolden other developers to challenge Apple’s policies.

What’s Apple’s next move? Double down on legal delays—or finally play ball? Share your take!

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Sources: Lora Kolodny. Judge calls out ‘Apple official who is personally responsible’ in Fortnite app order, May 20, 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/19/apple-fortnite-epic-games.html