Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store in US After Nearly Five Years

A Legal Victory for Epic Games Signals a New Era for App Store Competition

Fortnite, the wildly popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, has officially made its comeback to the Apple App Store in the United States. This marks the end of a nearly five-year-long absence after the game was removed in 2020 over a controversial payment system dispute. The reinstatement is not only a major win for Epic Games but also a significant milestone in the ongoing battle over digital marketplace policies, commissions, and developer autonomy.

Background: The Clash Between Epic and Apple

The saga began in August 2020, when Epic Games updated Fortnite on iOS to allow players to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system and instead pay Epic directly. This move was a deliberate challenge to Apple's policy, which mandates that developers use its payment system and pay a 30% commission on all transactions.

Apple swiftly responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store, citing violation of its guidelines. Epic retaliated with a high-profile lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolistic practices and unfair restrictions. What followed was a years-long legal battle that would eventually reshape the dynamics of mobile app distribution.

The Court Battles: Legal Challenges and Key Rulings

Epic Games initially argued that Apple had created a monopoly through its exclusive control of app distribution and payments on iOS devices. Although a federal judge ruled in 2021 that Apple did not hold a monopoly under federal antitrust laws, the court did find that Apple’s anti-steering rules violated California’s Unfair Competition Law.

This meant Apple could no longer prohibit developers from directing users to alternative payment options outside of the App Store. While Apple complied in part, it maintained strict control over app guidelines, continuing to reject apps that included external payment links in ways it deemed noncompliant.

The Turning Point: A Judge’s Warning and a Swift Return

Fast forward to April 30, 2025 — a federal judge ruled that Apple was not adhering to a previous injunction and referred the company to federal prosecutors for a potential criminal contempt investigation. On May 20, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers gave Apple an ultimatum: reinstate Fortnite on the App Store or provide legal justification for refusing to do so.

Just one day later, Apple complied. On May 21, 2025, Fortnite returned to the Apple App Store in the US, concluding this chapter of a dispute that has defined the intersection of gaming and mobile commerce.

Impact on Users: What This Means for iOS Gamers

The return of Fortnite brings relief and excitement to millions of U.S.-based players who prefer gaming on iPhones and iPads. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed enthusiasm in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “We back fam.”

While the Fortnite app now appears in the App Store, it also allows users to make payments through external links, a functionality that was once strictly prohibited. Players can expect a return of core game modes like Battle Royale and Zero Build, along with cross-platform progression and purchases.

Broader Implications: Opening the App Store Gates

Fortnite’s return has implications beyond just gaming. Many industry experts see it as a signal that Apple may be forced to loosen its grip on the iOS ecosystem. Analysts like Gil Luria from D.A. Davidson noted that this case might be “too late to revive Fortnite’s momentum” but highlights a deeper vulnerability in Apple’s App Store model.

Michael Ashley Schulman, CIO at Running Point Capital, suggested this ruling paves the way for other apps like Spotify, Netflix, and independent game studios to retain a larger share of their revenue and sidestep Apple’s commissions. This shift could reshape the economics of mobile apps over the next 12–18 months.

Global Context: Europe and Google Already Moved On

Interestingly, Fortnite had already made its return to iPhones in the European Union earlier this year under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which enforces greater openness in digital platforms. Epic was able to publish Fortnite through third-party app stores like AltStore and the Epic Games Store, further challenging Apple’s historical dominance.

Similarly, Google lifted its ban on Fortnite in 2024, allowing the game to return to Android users worldwide through both the Play Store and third-party methods. With Fortnite now accessible again across platforms, Epic is reclaiming ground it lost during its legal stand-off.

A Look Back: The Cost of the Fight

While this is undeniably a victory for Epic, it didn’t come without cost. The company was ordered to pay Apple $3.6 million for breaching contractual terms when it launched its direct payment system in 2020. Still, many analysts and fans see the return of Fortnite as symbolic — a David vs. Goliath moment in tech history where a developer stood its ground against a trillion-dollar corporation.

Joost van Dreunen, a professor of video game business at NYU Stern, summed it up succinctly: “Epic has effectively forced open a door that Apple and others worked very hard to keep shut. This signals a shift in the balance of power between platforms and publishers.”

What Happens Next?

Apple is still appealing the latest court order, hoping to pause the changes it’s been forced to implement. The company maintains that its App Store policies are in place to protect users' privacy and security. Meanwhile, developers and legal experts await further rulings that could cement or challenge the precedent set by Epic’s case.

For Epic Games, the focus now shifts to regaining lost user engagement. Fortnite, while still a top-tier title, is no longer the cultural juggernaut it was in 2019. With its reappearance on iOS, Epic will likely revamp its mobile campaigns, events, and partnerships to reignite interest among younger audiences.

Conclusion: A Monumental Shift in Mobile Gaming

The news that Fortnite returns to Apple App Store in US is more than a headline — it’s a statement. It represents a power shift in the app economy, where developers now have a precedent to push back against the walled gardens of Big Tech.

As Epic Games and Apple continue to battle in the courtroom and the marketplace, one thing is clear: the outcome of this saga will influence how mobile platforms operate for years to come — not just for games, but for all digital content.

Whether you’re a Fortnite fan or an app developer, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the mobile internet era.