If the first verdict in the lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games has finally come down, the case itself is far from over. But beyond the billions of dollars at stake, players are also wondering when they will be able to find Fortnite within the iOS ecosystem.
And if we are to believe the latest elements related to the file, the battle royale will remain away from iPhones and other iPads for several months or even several years!
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The legal battle will continue
On September 10, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers delivered her first conclusions in the real war between these two American giants. If on the one hand Apple will now have to accept alternative payment solutions for applications in its online store (thus leading to heavy losses), Epic is far from being spared!
The firm led by Tim Sweeney will thus have to pay a few million dollars in damages to Apple and the Apple brand has not been obliged to relaunch Fortnite on the App Store. Worse still, nine of the ten charges were brought against Epic Games. That's why the publisher behind Fortnite decided to immediately appeal.
Read also:Apple vs Epic verdict: following the judgment, billions will change hands
Apple is blocking
But since Apple must now accept external payment options, Tim Sweeney wanted to submit the return of Fortnite on the App Store if the iPhone manufacturer chose to comply with this decision pronounced by the judge. But Sweeney was quickly disillusioned as Apple allegedly refused to reactivate Epic's developer account while blacklisting Fortnite.
The firm led by Tim Cook would not wish to "examine another request for reinstatement (of Fortnite) before the court judgment becomes final and without appeal". According to Tim Sweeney, the exhaustion of legal remedies could take up to five full years. So, if the two companies stick to their respective positions, Fortnite shouldn't return to the App Store for a long time.
Finally, the opening file produced by Epic Games for the appeal procedure will be returned on December 12. Apple's response is expected on January 20, 2022. Stay tuned!
