Will Apple allow Fortnite back on iOS in South Korea?

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Apple Rejects Fortnite's Return to South Korean iOS App Store Without Rule Adherence

Apple has rejected a request from Epic Games to reinstate its developer account on the iOS platform in South Korea, specifically for the game Fortnite. The tech giant stated that Epic Games must agree to comply with Apple's App Store review guidelines for any potential reinstatement, indicating a willingness to welcome Fortnite back only if Epic adheres to the same rules as other developers. This decision comes as South Korea is set to implement new legislation aimed at preventing app store operators from mandating the use of their proprietary payment systems.
Apple's Stance on Reinstatement Conditions

Apple's position is that Epic Games must agree to adhere to the App Store review guidelines. The company reiterated that it would welcome Epic's return to the App Store, but this is contingent on Epic playing by the same rules as everyone else. Apple clarified that even with the new South Korean legislation, there is no obligation for the company to approve any developer program account application without such an agreement.
South Korea's New App Store Legislation

The South Korean parliament has approved a bill that prohibits major app store operators from forcing software developers to use their payment systems. This legislation, which is anticipated to take effect around September 15, aims to grant developers more flexibility in handling in-app purchases. Epic Games had expressed its intention to re-release Fortnite on iOS in South Korea, offering both Epic's own payment option and Apple's payment system side-by-side, in compliance with this new law.
Ongoing Legal and Regulatory Battles

The rejection is part of a broader, ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games. Epic Games initiated a lawsuit against Apple last year, alleging an abuse of market dominance concerning mobile app development fees. This specific situation in South Korea is a recent development in their global legal and regulatory challenges, with developers and legal experts worldwide observing the outcome of similar antitrust cases. Previously, Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced its own in-app payment system, which violated Apple's established rules and sought to circumvent the company's commission fees.

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Will Apple allow Fortnite back on iOS in South Korea?

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