13 Aug 2020
Epic adds direct payment to Fortnite
Epic Games switched on its own payment option inside the iOS version of Fortnite, letting players buy in-game currency without using Apple's in-app purchase system, which takes a 30% commission.
Rivalry
How the Epic Games and Apple fight unfolded
Epic Games sued Apple in August 2020 after Apple removed Fortnite for bypassing App Store payments. Apple largely won the 2021 antitrust trial but lost on its anti-steering rules, was found in contempt in April 2025 and is now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that finding, while Epic has also won a case in Australia.
13 August 2020 to today · 29 dated events · 26 sources
Where it stands now · as of 31 October 2026
The Supreme Court is reviewing the contempt finding in Apple Inc. v. Epic Games, No. 25-1311, limited to the first question presented, on the civil contempt standard, with Epic's brief due November 13, 2026. Meanwhile the district court is deciding what commission Apple may charge on linked US purchases, and in Australia, under orders of October 22, 2026, Apple must allow other app stores from March 1, 2027 and has said it will appeal.
Next date
13 November 2026 Epic's merits brief due at the Supreme Court
13 November 2026 Epic's merits brief due at the Supreme Court
EG
🇺🇸 Side A
Epic Games
Maker of Fortnite and Unreal Engine, plaintiff
VS
A
🇺🇸 Side B
Apple
iPhone maker and App Store operator, defendant and Supreme Court petitioner
6 : 8Moves recorded
4 : 1Product
2 : 3Filing
0 : 3Corporate
0 : 1Statement
Overview · 13 Aug 2020 to 22 Oct 2026 · click a dot to jump
2020
13 Aug 2020
Turning point
Apple removes Fortnite from the App Store
Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store the same day, saying Epic had violated guidelines that apply to every developer.
“Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer”Apple spokesperson, CNBC
13 Aug 2020
Epic sues Apple
Epic filed an antitrust lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Apple unlawfully maintains a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments on iOS.
“Apple's removal of Fortnite is yet another example of Apple flexing its enormous power in order to impose unreasonable restraints”Epic Games court filing, CNBC
28 Aug 2020
Apple terminates Epic's developer account
Apple terminated Epic's App Store developer account. CNBC reported that Apple did not suspend an account related to Epic's Unreal Engine, in line with a court order protecting those tools.
“We are disappointed that we have had to terminate the Epic Games account on the App Store.”Apple, CNBC
9 Oct 2020
Judge declines to order Fortnite back
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers granted Epic's request for a preliminary injunction only in part. She kept protections for the developer tools of Epic's affiliates, including Unreal Engine, but did not order Apple to reinstate Fortnite.
2021
10 Sep 2021
Turning point
Trial ruling splits the case
After a bench trial, the court ruled that Epic had not proved Apple is a monopolist under federal or California antitrust law. It found Apple's anti-steering rules violated California's unfair competition law and ordered them lifted nationwide. Epic was ordered to pay Apple 30% of the $12,167,719 it collected through its own payment system from August to October 2020, plus later such revenue.
“the Court cannot ultimately conclude that Apple is a monopolist under either federal or state antitrust laws”Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, US District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP)
8 Dec 2021
Appeals court pauses the anti-steering order
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted Apple's request to delay the order requiring it to let developers direct users to other payment options while the appeal was heard.
· · · 17 months later
2023
24 Apr 2023
Ninth Circuit upholds the trial ruling
A Ninth Circuit panel affirmed the judgment against Epic on its federal antitrust claims, the ruling for Epic under California's unfair competition law and the breach of contract ruling for Apple. It reversed only the ruling on attorney fees.
2024
16 Jan 2024
Supreme Court declines both appeals
The Supreme Court denied Apple's and Epic's petitions for review, leaving the Ninth Circuit decision in place. The injunction took effect the next day.
16 Jan 2024
Apple sets a 27% fee on outside purchases
Apple filed a notice of compliance with the injunction. Its new rules let developers link to outside purchase options but charged a 27% commission on those purchases and limited how the links could look, according to the court's later findings.
13 Mar 2024
Epic asks court to hold Apple in contempt
Epic moved to enforce the injunction and asked the court to hold Apple in civil contempt over its new link rules. The court held six days of evidentiary hearings beginning in May 2024.
· · · 14 months later
2025
30 Apr 2025
Turning point
Judge finds Apple in willful violation
Judge Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in willful violation of the 2021 injunction, barred it from charging any commission on purchases made through outside links in the US and referred the matter to the US Attorney to consider criminal contempt proceedings.
“This is an injunction, not a negotiation. There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order.”Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, US District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP)
30 Apr 2025
Apple says it will comply and appeal
Apple said it disagreed with the contempt ruling but would comply with it while appealing.
“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court's order and we will appeal.”Apple spokesperson, CNBC
20 May 2025
Fortnite returns to the US App Store
Apple approved Fortnite, returning it to the App Store in the United States nearly five years after its removal.
4 Jun 2025
Ninth Circuit refuses to pause contempt order
A Ninth Circuit panel denied Apple's emergency request to halt the App Store changes while it appealed, so Apple could not charge a commission on linked purchases in the meantime.
12 Aug 2025
Australian court rules against Apple
Justice Jonathan Beach of the Federal Court of Australia found that Apple engaged in conduct likely to diminish competition, in breach of section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act, by blocking other app distribution on iOS and restricting payment options. Apple said it disagreed with parts of the ruling, The Guardian reported.
“Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate”Apple spokesperson, The Guardian
11 Dec 2025
Turning point
Ninth Circuit upholds contempt finding in part
A Ninth Circuit panel affirmed the finding that Apple was in contempt, holding that some of its link restrictions broke the letter of the injunction and others its implicit command. It reversed in part, ruling that a total ban on commissions was not a valid civil contempt sanction in its present form, and sent the case back so the district court could set a fee.
2026
30 Mar 2026
Rehearing denied
The Ninth Circuit denied rehearing of its contempt decision, according to the Supreme Court docket.
May 2026
Fortnite returns in Japan
Fortnite returned to the App Store in Japan alongside a new Epic Games Store app in early May 2026, Shacknews reported.
19 May 2026
Fortnite back on the App Store worldwide
Epic said Fortnite was back on the App Store around the world except in Australia, where its return awaited a court decision.
“we are confident that once Apple is forced to show its costs, governments around the world will not allow Apple junk fees to stand”Epic Games, Shacknews
21 May 2026
Apple petitions the Supreme Court
Apple asked the Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuit's contempt decision, also arguing that the injunction's reach broke with the court's 2025 ruling on universal injunctions.
30 Jun 2026
Turning point
Supreme Court agrees to hear Apple appeal
The Supreme Court granted Apple's petition but limited review to its first question, the standard for holding a party in civil contempt. It declined to take up the universal injunction question.
“This is an important question of law and we are pleased the Supreme Court will hear our case.”Apple spokesperson, 9to5Mac
11 Aug 2026
District court refuses to pause fee proceedings
The district court denied Apple's request to pause the proceedings on what commission it may charge on linked purchases until the Supreme Court rules.
13 Aug 2026
Justice Kagan denies stay
Justice Elena Kagan briefly paused the district court proceedings on August 12 and denied Apple's stay application the next day.
13 Aug 2026
Apple proposes a 15% link-out fee
In its court filing on fees, Apple proposed charging 15% on linked purchases for standard apps, 10% for apps in its partner programs and for subscription renewals, and 5% for Small Business Program apps, 9to5Mac reported.
14 Sep 2026
Apple files its Supreme Court brief
Apple's merits brief asked the Supreme Court to reverse or vacate the contempt order, arguing a party cannot be held in contempt for violating the spirit of an injunction that does not address the conduct at issue.
21 Sep 2026
US government files brief backing neither side
The Solicitor General filed a brief supporting neither party. It argued the lower courts used the wrong standard for civil contempt and asked the court to vacate the contempt judgment and send it back, while taking no position on whether Apple acted in bad faith.
22 Oct 2026
Australian court orders App Store changes
In Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2), Justice Beach ordered Apple to stop preventing Australian iOS users from installing apps from websites and alternative app stores, with those orders starting at noon Melbourne time on March 1, 2027 unless extended to May 3, 2027, and to readmit Fortnite and other Epic apps on Epic's application. Apple told Reuters it would seek a stay and appeal.
22 Oct 2026
Fortnite returns in Australia
Fortnite returned to the iOS App Store in Australia, Beebom reported. Epic chief executive Tim Sweeney called the remedies a victory for consumers and developers.
In their own words
Exact quotes, side by sideFortnite's removal from the App Store
Epic Games
“Apple's removal of Fortnite is yet another example of Apple flexing its enormous power in order to impose unreasonable restraints”
13 August 2020 · CNBC
Apple
“Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer”
13 August 2020 · CNBC
The Supreme Court taking the contempt appeal
Epic Games
“We're heading to the Supreme Court where we'll continue to fight against junk fees Apple charges on third-party payments.”
30 June 2026 · 9to5Mac
Apple
“This is an important question of law and we are pleased the Supreme Court will hear our case.”
30 June 2026 · 9to5Mac
Background
Key facts
| Trial court | US District Court, Northern District of California, No. 4:20-cv-05640-YGR |
| 2021 ruling | Apple not found to be a monopolist, anti-steering rules barred under California law |
| Contempt finding | April 30, 2025, affirmed in part by the Ninth Circuit on December 11, 2025 (No. 25-2935) |
| Supreme Court | Apple Inc. v. Epic Games, No. 25-1311, granted June 30, 2026, limited to Question 1 |
| Fortnite on US App Store | Removed August 13, 2020, returned May 20, 2025 |
| Australia | Federal Court liability judgment August 12, 2025 ([2025] FCA 900), relief orders October 22, 2026 ([2026] FCA 1552) |
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Sources
26 records, ranked by type- 1Official record13 Aug 2020Complaint for Injunctive Relief, Epic Games v. AppleUS District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP) · storage.courtlistener.com
- 2News report13 Aug 2020Apple kicks Fortnite out of App Store for challenging payment rulesCNBC · cnbc.com
- 3News report28 Aug 2020Apple suspends Fortnite maker Epic Games' App Store accountCNBC · cnbc.com
- 4Official record9 Oct 2020Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Motion for Preliminary InjunctionUS District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP) · storage.courtlistener.com
- 5Official record10 Sep 2021Rule 52 Order After Trial on the MeritsUS District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP) · storage.courtlistener.com
- 6News report9 Dec 2021Apple wins delay in monopoly case, allowing App Store rules to stay for nowMint (The Wall Street Journal) · livemint.com
- 7Official record24 Apr 2023Epic Games v. Apple, Nos. 21-16506 and 21-16695, opinionUS Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov
- 8Official record16 Jan 2024Docket No. 23-344, Apple Inc. v. Epic Games, Inc.Supreme Court of the United States · supremecourt.gov
- 9Official record16 Jan 2024Docket No. 23-337, Epic Games, Inc. v. Apple Inc.Supreme Court of the United States · supremecourt.gov
- 10Official record30 Apr 2025Order Granting Epic Games, Inc.'s Motion to Enforce Injunction and Referral to the United States Attorney re Criminal ContemptUS District Court, N.D. Cal. (via CourtListener RECAP) · storage.courtlistener.com
- 11News report30 Apr 2025Court finds Apple, executive lied under oath in Epic Games trialCNBC · cnbc.com
- 12News report20 May 2025Fortnite approved by Apple, returns to U.S. App Store 5 years after removalCNBC · cnbc.com
- 13News report4 Jun 2025Court denies Apple appeal in Epic Games case, keeping App Store changes in placeCNBC · cnbc.com
- 14News report12 Aug 2025'Play by the rules': Fortnite developer Epic Games wins partial victory in Australian court against Apple and GoogleThe Guardian · theguardian.com
- 15Official record11 Dec 2025Epic Games v. Apple, No. 25-2935, opinionUS Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov
- 16Official record21 Sep 2026Docket No. 25-1311, Apple Inc. v. Epic Games, Inc.Supreme Court of the United States · supremecourt.gov
- 17News report19 May 2026Fortnite returns to the App Store worldwide as 'the final battle approaches'Shacknews · shacknews.com
- 18News report30 Jun 2026Supreme Court agrees to hear Apple appeal over Epic Games ruling9to5Mac · 9to5mac.com
- 19News report11 Aug 2026Apple Can't Delay App Store Fee Fight While Waiting on Supreme CourtMacRumors · macrumors.com
- 20News report13 Aug 2026Apple proposes commissions of up to 15% for off-App Store purchases in the US9to5Mac · 9to5mac.com
- 21News report14 Sep 2026Apple Asks Supreme Court to Throw Out App Store Contempt RulingMacRumors · macrumors.com
- 22News report23 Sep 2026U.S. government says Apple contempt ruling should be reconsideredThe Mac Observer · macobserver.com
- 23News report21 Oct 2026Apple must open iPhone to alternative app stores in Australia9to5Mac · 9to5mac.com
- 24News report22 Oct 2026Fortnite Returns to iOS in Australia as Epic Games Scores Major Court VictoryBeebom · beebom.com
- 25Official record12 Aug 2025Epic Games, Inc v Apple Inc [2025] FCA 900Federal Court of Australia · judgments.fedcourt.gov.au
- 26Official record22 Oct 2026Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552Federal Court of Australia · judgments.fedcourt.gov.au
Last updated 31 October 2026. Spotted an error? See corrections. Every event links to the record it comes from. Allegations are attributed to whoever made them.