After nearly five years of absence, Fortnite has officially returned to the U.S. Apple App Store as of May 20, 2025. This marks a significant development in the prolonged legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple that began in 2020.(esportsinsider.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Background: The Legal Dispute
In August 2020, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system within the app, circumventing Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. This action led to a legal battle, with Epic accusing Apple of monopolistic practices. The dispute centered around Apple’s control over app distribution and payment systems on iOS devices. (economictimes.indiatimes.com, en.wikipedia.org)
In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that Apple had violated a previous court order by restricting developers from informing users about alternative payment methods. The court extended injunctions to prevent Apple from collecting fees from third-party storefronts and imposed restrictions on app interfaces. (houstonchronicle.com, en.wikipedia.org)
Fortnite’s Return
Following the court’s ruling, Epic Games submitted Fortnite for reapproval on the App Store. After initial delays, Apple approved the submission, and Fortnite became available for download on iPhones and iPads in the U.S. The game is also accessible through the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the European Union. (en.wikipedia.org, esportsinsider.com, investopedia.com)
The reinstated version of Fortnite offers players the option to purchase in-game currency, V-Bucks, either through Apple’s in-app purchase system or via Epic’s external payment platform. Notably, purchases made through Epic’s platform may include additional rewards, providing an incentive for users to utilize the alternative payment method. (hypebeast.com, los40.com)
Current Status and Future Implications
Since its return, Fortnite has quickly regained popularity, becoming the top free action game on the U.S. App Store. However, the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple is not entirely over. Apple has appealed the recent court decision, and the outcome of this appeal could influence future policies regarding app distribution and payment systems on iOS devices. (reddit.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com)
The return of Fortnite to the App Store signifies a potential shift in the dynamics between app developers and platform holders, highlighting the ongoing discussions about fair competition and control within the digital marketplace.(economictimes.indiatimes.com)
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