Epic Games' ongoing feud with Apple over Fortnite's currency called V-Bucks.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has now suggested that Apple is purposefully obstructing Fortnite's return to the App Store after Apple was ordered by U.S. courts to allow third-party payment links within apps, according to VGC. In a series of replies from Tim Sweeney's X (formerly Twitter) , he has discussed the latest issues in getting Fortnite relisted on the App Store, saying Fortnite was submitted to Apple's review process on May 9, but had to be resubmitted on May 14 due to the game's frequent updates.

As VGC notes, Apple's own App Review process says most requests are reviewed within 24 hours, yet Apple did not reply to Epic after five days, and has seemingly not responded to the resubmitted review. According to Sweeney's tweets, Epic has reached out to Apple via email, and has still not received a response. In answering a question asking if Epic planned for such setbacks, Sweeney says, "There is no way a rapidly evolving multi-platform game like Fortnite can operate if platforms use their power or processes to obstruct."

Fortnite's Return On Apple Devices Is Overdue

Fortnite Was Submitted For App Review On May 9

As of May 15, Fortnite's app review process has been ongoing for six days, much longer than is usually expected. The game was initially removed from the App Store when Epic Games included a direct payment option for players, which was intended to by the 30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases, which are processed through the App Store. When ordered by a judge to allow links to external payment options within iOS apps, Apple allowed the process but still instituted a 27% commission on said external purchases.

This subsequent commission was also ruled unlawful by a judge, prompting Epic's attempt to have Fortnite reinstated on the App Store. The review process has now been ongoing since May 9, with Sweeney laying blame for the delay solely on Apple, suggesting that the platform holder is purposefully obstructing the process to keep Fortnite from reappearing on the App Store.

The Epic-Apple Dispute Needs To End Soon

Corporations Duking It Out Only Hurts Consumers

With Epic recently promising to drop its litigation, the feud seemed to be coming to a close – all that was left was to submit Fortnite for review so it could be relisted on the App Store. This new road block is just the latest in what long ago became a tiring saga for consumers. Apple wants to reap the profits of hosting Fortnite and taking its cut on in-app purchases, while Epic wants to keep as much revenue as possible for itself; consumers are paying the same either way. Epic's lawsuit forcing Apple to include third-party payment methods is certainly pro-consumer, providing more options, but it's little more than a side effect of Epic wanting to tap a new revenue stream.

The mobile gaming market is massive, and Fortnite's absence from the App Store only increases the likelihood of iOS s falling for scams. Epic has had no problem cultivating high-profile Fortnite crossovers with dozens of properties, but the Apple dispute goes beyond in-game content to the software itself. There are untold profits on the line and Epic's litigation could seriously jeopardize Apple's ability to profit not only on Fortnite, but across the App Store. Consumers largely don't care, though; they just want to play on their phone.

Sources: VGC, Tim Sweeney/Twitter (1, 2), Apple