After Fortnite, Apple Will Block The Unreal Epic Games Engine From iOS & Mac

Recently, Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their app store. It happened after Epic introduced its in-game payment system that allowed game developers to cut costs by 30%.

Epic Games retaliated against Apple and Google by filing a lawsuit against the tech giant. However, now Apple has decided to make matters worse for Epic. That's because the company also blocked Unreal Engine on its platform before August 28. If this happens, Epic Games will not be able to develop tools for iOS and Mac.

According to Epic, Apple's plans to restrict Epic's access to development tools are “outrageous retaliation.” That's because Apple never called the Unreal Engine a violation of any policies.

Epic says that Apple's decision to block Unreal Engine on iOS and Mac will have a drastic impact on Epic's business. This situation will force developers to switch to other game development tools. So, Epic Games filed for a long-term pre-contain and injection order to prevent Apple from blocking the Unreal Engine.

Related: Apple recently kicked Fortnite off the App Store

“If the Unreal Engine can no longer support Apple platforms, the software developers that use it will be forced to use alternatives. The damage to Epic’s ongoing business and to its reputation and trust with its customers will be unquantifiable and irreparable. Preliminary injunctive relief is necessary to prevent Apple from crushing Epic before this case could ever get to a judgment,” says Epic in the legal document.

Apple’s Statement On The Situation

Interestingly, an Apple spokesperson also stated the situation. According to Apple, there is no personal grudge against Epic and wants to keep the company “as part of the Apple Developer Program and their apps on the Store.” However, the spokesperson said that the Epic app does not comply with Apple's guidelines, which are designed to protect its customers.

However, according to Apple, Epic could easily get out of this situation “has created for itself.” Apple just wants Epic to release an update to its app that “reverts it to comply with the guidelines they agreed to and which apply to all developers.”

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