Judge urges Apple to allow Fortnite or face court again

A judge demands Apple approve Fortnite for App Store release or return to court for non-compliance.

: U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has urged Apple to either allow Fortnite on the App Store or return to court to justify its inaction. The judge implies potential contempt charges if Apple continues to ignore the court's injunction demanding this action. Epic Games recently filed a motion to compel compliance, following Apple's delay pending a decision from the Ninth Circuit on their request for a partial stay. This legal battle underscores broader implications for Apple's app distribution and payment policies, potentially inspiring similar actions globally.

A U.S. judge has warned Apple that it must allow Epic Games to resubmit Fortnite to the App Store or face another court hearing. This follows a prior legal ruling where Apple was ordered to permit alternative payment methods in its app ecosystem. Despite this, Apple has not approved Fortnite's return, prompting concerns over its compliance with the injunction.

Epic Games argues that Apple's refusal violates the court's mandate and is now seeking judicial enforcement. Apple, in response, claims it is waiting on a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court regarding its request for a partial stay before taking further action on Fortnite's submission.

The tension escalated when Epic attempted to submit a version of Fortnite similar to its European build. Apple not only rejected this update for the U.S. App Store but also removed the game from the EU App Store, which Epic views as retaliation and a sign of broader resistance from Apple.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who has overseen the case, expressed frustration over Apple's behavior, previously finding the company in civil contempt for failing to follow the court's orders. She emphasized that Apple could resolve the issue swiftly without court intervention, but warned that failure to comply would result in another hearing.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, stated that Apple’s actions are a warning to developers: challenge the platform, and face repercussions. He characterized Apple’s handling of the situation as punitive and deliberately obstructive, especially after Fortnite's long absence from iOS devices.

Sources: The Verge, Reuters, HWBusters

gamingLegalTechnology