Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store After 5 Years

Fortnite returns to Apple App Store after 5 long years, as it has been locked in a legal battle with the tech giant since 2020. Epic Games’ extremely popular shooter game Fortnite returns to Apple App Store in the US from Tuesday. This is after a ban of nearly 5 years and is a significant win for the video game company. 

Epic Games is a US-based studio, and it alleged Apple’s practice of charging a 30% commission on in-app payments violated US antitrust laws. A judge in April ruled in Epic Games’ favor as Apple violated a US court order to allow for greater competition for app downloads and payment methods. The judge also said that since Apple failed to comply with a period injunction order, it would be referred to a federal prosecutor for criminal contempt. The Judge warned Apple to resolve the issue immediately or face further legal action. 

Fortnite returns to Apple App Store in a bid to regain the 116 million users it had on Apple’s platforms. There was a delay in Fortnite’s return to the Apple App Store as Apple did not approve Epic Games’ updated app in time. According to Apple, the app review process delayed Fortnite’s return to the Apple App Store. Most app submissions are reviewed within a day’s time but Fortnite’s resubmission was blocked for nearly 5 days. 

The battle royale games have been missing from the Apple App Store since August 2020 after it protested Apple’s commission fees, and the legal battle culminated this month on May 1, 2025. Epic Games passed Apple’s review finally, and Fortnite returns to Apple App Store to recapture a major lost audience. 

The latest Fortnite update will encourage users to make in-app purchases through Epic Games and not Apple, offering 20% in Epic Rewards credits. As Fortnite returns to Apple App Store, iOS players can again gain access after 5 years and enjoy the recent Star Wars Fortnite collaboration.

The resolution of the Epic Games vs Apple legal battle will have profound implications for app store policies regarding in-app purchases and developer rights. Recently, the Apple Siri lawsuit settlement has also been in the news, as Apple has to pay over $95 million in the class-action Siri privacy lawsuit. 

As Fornite’s Apple-imposed exile ends, it will return to iPhone and iPad and be available to users with the Apple iOS 18.5 update. While Apple’s policies did not break antitrust laws, the court ordered that it loosen control over in-app purchases so users could be offered options at lower prices. Apple also introduced a new system that opened the door for links to alternative payment options. 

Fortnite’s return to the U.S. iOS App Store after nearly five years marks a pivotal moment in the digital app economy. The protracted legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has led to significant changes in app store policies, particularly concerning in-app purchases and developer rights. 

As Fortnite returns to Apple App Store this reinstatement is a victory for Epic Games, it also sets a precedent that may influence future interactions between developers and platform holders. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this case underscores the importance of fair competition and the ongoing scrutiny of app store practices.

About the Author: Sarah Zimmerman is a seasoned crypto and Web3 news writer passionate about uncovering the latest developments in the digital asset space. With years of hands-on experience covering blockchain innovations, cryptocurrency trends, and decentralized technologies, she strives to deliver insightful and balanced news that empowers her readers. Her work is dedicated to demystifying complex topics and keeping you informed about the ever-evolving world of technology.