Apple addresses App Store ruling as Fortnite eyes return

Apple has responded to the court’s latest injunction decision in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games over App Store policies.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said the company disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal—but will comply with the court’s order in the meantime:

“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.”

For Apple to formally appeal, the court will likely need to issue a definitive ruling that Apple violated the existing injunction. Still, it appears there’s a path forward for Apple to both comply and challenge the decision at the same time.

While not unexpected, the development could complicate Epic’s plan to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store. Epic says it will submit the game next week. Compliance could mean Apple will allow the app back without taking a commission on web-originated digital sales—but that remains to be seen.

Separately, Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney has said the company would submit Fortnite to the App Store globally if Apple applies the U.S. court-ordered model worldwide. Apple’s decision to appeal suggests that won’t happen anytime soon.

Given that the dispute began in 2020, one thing remains clear: Apple’s decision to appeal ensures this legal saga isn’t ending anytime soon.