Epic Games has officially submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store for the first time since it was banned in 2020. If Apple gives the green light, users will be able to enjoy the game once again on their iOS devices.

This latest version of Fortnite will feature a groundbreaking change: players will have the option to purchase in-game currency directly from the web, bypassing the in-app purchase mechanism that led to the game's initial ban. Crucially, a recent court ruling now mandates that Apple must allow developers, including Epic Games, to direct players to payment options outside of the App Store.

Epic's Strategic Move with a Swedish Developer Account

Since Epic's U.S. developer account has been banned following its legal battle with Apple, the company is sidestepping this hurdle by utilizing a developer account it established in Sweden. This account was created in 2022 to facilitate Epic's app marketplace in the European Union, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, revealed that discussions with Apple regarding this submission have occurred. Although Apple is aware of the plan, the specifics of whether they have approved this method remain uncertain. However, Sweeney expressed skeptical optimism, suggesting that blocking the return of such a major app could invite political backlash.

Legal Battles and Apple’s Compliance Yet to be Seen

Throughout the ongoing legal saga between Apple and Epic Games, the courts have never mandated Fortnite's return to the App Store, reinforcing Apple's right to manage its ecosystem. Despite this, the possibility of Apple rejecting the submission under the current circumstances could further complicate matters and provoke a negative response from the presiding judge.

Apple recently secured agreements allowing external purchase links for apps like Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon, making it theoretically easier for them to approve Epic's request.

What’s Next for Apple and Fortnite?

At present, Apple is compelled to let developers include links that guide customers to make purchases outside of the App Store, and it can't take a cut from these transactions. Yet, the company is currently seeking a pause on this order through an emergency motion, aiming to regain control over how these external links function and continue charging fees during the appeals process.

With Apple's request for a ruling by May 28 still pending, the outcome of this high-stakes showdown will ultimately determine Fortnite's fate on the U.S. App Store. Stay tuned as this proverbial battle unfolds!