Fortnite Returns to iOS: A New Chapter
Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game created by Epic Games, is back on the iOS App Store in the United States after nearly five years. This comeback follows a lengthy legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple regarding in-app payment rules.
The Legal Battle begins
In August 2020, Apple took Fortnite off its App Store. This action came after Epic Games tried to implement its own payment system to avoid Apple's 30% commission fee. This decision sparked a legal fight, with Epic accusing Apple of unfair business practices. Although a court ruling in 2021 stated that Apple did not break antitrust laws, it required Apple to let developers inform users about other payment options.
Continued Tensions
Even after this ruling, Apple introduced a new policy that charged a 27% commission on external transactions. Epic argued that this still went against the court's order. In April 2025, U.S. District judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt for not following the injunction, which increased pressure on the company.
Approval and Launch
On May 9, 2025, Epic submitted Fortnite for review again on the U.S. App Store. Initially facing resistance from Apple, judicial intervention led to approval of the submission shortly afterward. By May 20, 2025, Fortnite was officially available once more for iPhone and iPad users across America.
Exciting Updates for Players
The newly updated version of Fortnite on iOS features an enticing promotion: players receive a bonus of 20% when they make purchases through Epic’s payment system. This encourages users to choose choice methods over Apple's standard option. Additionally, players can enjoy a fresh Star wars-themed season with characters like jar-Jar Binks and general Grievous joining the fun.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
While Fortnite's return is undoubtedly significant for Epic Games and may impact app store policies moving forward, some experts are skeptical about whether it can regain its former popularity levels. At its peak before removal from the app Store, Fortnite boasted around 116 million users on iOS devices.
This development marks an vital moment not just for fans but also within discussions about app store regulations and developer rights moving forward.
