🎮 Fortnite Returns to U.S. Apple App Store After Nearly Five-Year Absence 📱
- NFD NEWS
- May 22
- 2 min read
After a prolonged legal battle, Fortnite has officially returned to the U.S. Apple App Store. Epic Games announced the game's reinstatement on May 20, 2025, marking the end of a nearly five-year hiatus that began in August 2020 when Apple removed the game for violating App Store policies. The dispute centered around Epic's implementation of a direct payment system within the app, bypassing Apple's 30% commission fee.
⚖️ Legal Battle and Resolution
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple escalated into a significant legal confrontation, with Epic accusing Apple of monopolistic practices. In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that Apple had violated a U.S. court order requiring the company to allow greater competition for app downloads and payment methods. This decision mandated that Apple permit developers to direct users to alternative payment options, effectively enabling Fortnite's return to the App Store.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the victory, posting on social media, "We back fam," signaling the company's triumph and the game's reinstatement.
📲 What's New in the iOS Version
The reinstated iOS version of Fortnite includes several updates and features:
Dual Payment Options: Players can now purchase in-game currency, V-Bucks, through either Apple's in-app purchase system or Epic's direct payment method, offering more flexibility and potentially better deals for users.
Latest Game Content: The iOS version is up-to-date with current seasons, including new skins, events, and gameplay modes, ensuring mobile players have access to the same content as other platforms.
Cross-Platform Play: Players on iOS can engage in cross-platform gameplay, joining friends on consoles, PCs, and other devices.
While the game is available for download, some users have reported difficulties finding it through the App Store's search function. Epic Games has provided a direct link to the app to facilitate access.
🌍 Global Availability
In addition to its U.S. return, Fortnite is also accessible in the European Union through the Epic Games Store and AltStore, following regulatory changes that allow alternative app distribution methods.
🧠 Conclusion
The return of Fortnite to the U.S. Apple App Store signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding digital marketplaces and developer rights. This development not only restores access to a popular game for iOS users but also sets a precedent for how app distribution and payment systems may evolve in the future.
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