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Epic Video games mentioned on Friday that it submitted Fortnite to Apple’s App Retailer, the month after a decide dominated in favor of the sport maker in a contempt ruling.
Fortnite was booted from iPhones and Apple’s App Retailer in 2020, after Epic Video games up to date its software program to hyperlink out to the corporate’s web site and keep away from Apple’s commissions. The transfer drew Apple’s anger, and kicked off a authorized battle that has lasted for years.
Final month’s ruling, a victory for Epic Video games, mentioned Apple was not allowed to cost a fee on link-outs or dictate if the hyperlinks appear like buttons, paving the best way for Fortnite’s return.
Apple may nonetheless reject Fortnite’s submission. An Apple consultant didn’t reply to CNBC’s request for remark. Apple is interesting final month’s contempt ruling.
The announcement by Epic Video games is the most recent salvo within the battle between it and Apple, which has taken place in courts and with regulators world wide since 2020. Epic Video games additionally sued Google, which operates the Play Retailer for Android telephones.
Final month’s ruling has already shifted the economics of app improvement for iPhones.
Apple takes between 15% and 30% of purchases made utilizing its in-app cost system. Linking to the net avoids these charges. Apple briefly allowed link-outs underneath its system however would cost a 27% fee, earlier than final month’s ruling.
Builders together with Amazon and Spotify have already up to date their apps to keep away from Apple’s commissions and direct clients to their very own web sites for cost.
Earlier than final month, Amazon’s Kindle app informed customers they might not buy a e book within the iPhone app. After a latest replace, the app now exhibits an orange “Get E-book” button that hyperlinks to Amazon’s web site.
Fortnite has been out there for iPhones in Europe since final yr by way of Epic Video games’ retailer. Third-party app shops are allowed in Europe underneath the Digital Markets Act. Customers have additionally been in a position to play Fortnite on iPhones and iPads by way of cloud gaming providers.
