Fortnite Returns to iOS in the U.S.—But Will It Last?

Epic Games and Apple end their five-year standoff—what’s next for mobile gaming?

After nearly five years of legal battles and courtroom drama, Fortnite has officially returned to the U.S. iOS App Store, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple. 🥳📱

⚖️ The Legal Showdown That Started It All

In August 2020, Epic Games introduced its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission fee. This move led to Apple’s removal of Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a high-profile legal dispute. The case centered around allegations of anti-competitive behavior and monopolistic practices by Apple. 🏛️⚖️

🧑‍⚖️ Court Rulings and Apple’s Compliance

In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that Apple had willfully violated previous court orders by continuing to block Fortnite’s return. The judge’s decision mandated Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options without imposing additional fees. This ruling paved the way for Fortnite’s reinstatement on iOS devices. ⚖️📜

💸 What’s New in the iOS Version?

The newly approved iOS version of Fortnite offers players a 20% bonus on in-game purchases made through Epic’s payment system, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase mechanism. This move aligns with Epic’s strategy to provide more favorable terms for players and developers alike. 💰🎁

🌍 Global Availability and Future Outlook

While Fortnite has returned to the U.S. App Store, its availability in other regions remains limited. Epic Games continues to advocate for broader access and more favorable terms for developers across different platforms. The future of Fortnite on iOS will depend on ongoing legal developments and Apple’s adherence to court rulings. 🌐🔮

🔑 Key Highlights:

• “Fortnite returns to the U.S. iOS App Store after nearly five years.”
• “Epic Games introduces a 20% bonus for in-game purchases via its payment system.“
• “Federal judge rules Apple had willfully violated previous court orders.”
• “Availability in other regions remains limited; future depends on ongoing legal developments.”