
Fortnite Triumphantly Returns to Apple App Store After Five-Year Absence!
2025-05-21
Author: Arjun
Fortnite Makes a Comeback!
Epic Games' iconic battle royale, Fortnite, is officially back on Apple’s app store in the US as of May 20, 2023! This marks a monumental victory for the gaming giant after a nearly five-year hiatus.
The Epic Clash: A Backstory
Fortnite previously faced a ban from both Apple and Google back in 2020 due to an intense dispute over in-app payment guidelines. Meanwhile, players in the EU had already seen Fortnite return to both the Epic Games Store and AltStore, but the game's absence from US iPhones and iPads lingered.
Epic vs. Apple: The Legal Battle
Epic Games, which has the backing of China's Tencent, has been embroiled in a legal struggle with Apple since 2020. The company accused Apple of unfair practices, claiming that its commission rates—up to 30% on in-app payments—were in violation of US antitrust laws.
A Turning Point: Judge's Ruling
Fortnite's return to Apple’s iOS systems in the US follows a pivotal ruling by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. In her recent decision, she stated that Apple violated a court order intended to foster competition among app download and payment methods. The judge even mentioned referring Apple to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt.
The Fortnite Phenomenon
Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating millions globally with its thrilling last-player-standing format. At the peak of its ban, Epic Games boasted an incredible 116 million users on Apple's platform alone.
With Fortnite back in the spotlight on the Apple app store, gamers can once again dive into the action and excitement that made it a cultural phenomenon. Stay tuned for more updates as this Epic saga unfolds!