Apple Could Face Contempt of Court Over Fortnite App Store Dispute

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ordered Apple to either approve Fortnite’s return to the App Store or return to court to provide legal grounds for refusing it.

The demand is outlined in a new court filing related to Epic Games' motion for enforcement. The judge emphasized that Apple has the option to resolve the issue voluntarily — without hearings — but warned that continued noncompliance would require the company to explain itself in court.

Apple has also been instructed to name a person responsible for ensuring compliance with the court’s orders, potentially signaling the start of contempt proceedings.

The conflict reignited after Epic Games re-submitted Fortnite for review, exercising its right to include external payment links.

This ruling could set a precedent for similar cases globally — Spotify and Patreon have already listed their apps on the App Store with third-party payment links. Both Apple and Epic have declined to comment.