Fortnite is officially back on Apple’s App Store in the United States.
Epic Games announced their popular battle royale title’s reinstatement via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, May 20. “Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads… and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U!”
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his gratitude to all the people who made Fortnite‘s return to App store possible. “Thanks to everyone who supported the effort to open up mobile competition and #FreeFortnite from the very beginning. And thanks to all of the folks who initially sided with Apple then later came around to the winning side, supporting app developer rights and consumer rights,” he said on X.
Fortnite is finally back on App Store after nearly five years
The free-to-play battle royale game’s comeback ends a nearly five-year absence caused by a high-profile legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple. The conflict began in August 2020, when Epic implemented its own in-app payment system that bypassed Apple’s commission fee. Apple responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store, prompting Epic to accuse the tech giant of monopolistic behavior and eventually seek legal action.
While a 2021 court ruling determined that Apple hadn’t violated antitrust laws, it did require the company to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods. However, Apple’s subsequent introduction of a new commission structure for external payments reignited tensions, with Epic arguing that it contradicted the court’s ruling.
The legal standoff escalated further when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of court. Following this development, Apple ultimately approved Fortnite’s reinstatement on its platform.
Fortnite’s return marks a pivotal moment in the debate over app store practices and developer autonomy. In a general sense, it’s a welcome change for mobile gamers, offering access to one of the most popular free-to-play titles on their iOS devices once again.
Fortnite is currently featuring its Star Wars-themed Chapter Six, season three. So, if you’re diving back in on your mobile device, you might want to find the AI Darth Vader and make him your ally.
