Fortnite Returns to U.S. Apple App Store After 5-Year Ban
Fortnite Returns to U.S. Apple App Store After 5-Year Ban in Landmark Win for Epic Games
Following nearly five years of legal battles and industry debate, Fortnite has triumphantly returned to the U.S. Apple App Store, marking a significant milestone for game developer Epic Games. Originally banned in August 2020 for evading Apple’s in-app payment system, which avoided the tech giant’s 30% commission on purchases, leading to a high-profile lawsuit in which Epic accused Apple of monopolistic behavior and unfair control over app distribution. Fortnite made a triumphant announcement on X (formerly Twitter) confirming its return to the U.S. store, in addition to its presence on the Epic Games Store and the EU’s AltStore. The post also stated, “It will show up on Search soon!” indicating that players in the U.S. can now re-download the game on iOS.
Although Apple has not responded to the news, it has previously insisted that its app and payment restrictions are in place to protect platform integrity and user safety.
Industry experts are viewing the return as a significant victory for Epic. Joost van Dreunen, a gaming business professor at NYU Stern, said, “This is a clear win for Epic Games. It breaks down a wall that Apple and others have spent years defending. It also shifts the power dynamic, giving developers more influence over distribution and revenue models.”
Due to an update-related block, Fortnite was momentarily removed from international app stores last week. However, its reintroduction to Apple’s U.S. platform signifies a more significant change in the potential future of digital marketplaces. The EU’s new Digital Markets Act, which aims to increase competition, prompted Fortnite to make a comeback to the EU App Store in January 2025. In 2024, Google also removed its prohibition on Fortnite. Fortnite is still one of the most popular games in the world, with over 400 million registered users. It is particularly well-known for its intense battle royale mode, in which players vie to be the last person standing..
