‘Fortnite’ has returned to Apple’s App Store in the U.S. and Europe. The return marks the end of a lengthy absence that affected millions of registered Fortnite players worldwide who use iOS devices.
Despite agreeing to make Epic Games’ beloved battle royale available on iOS, Apple had “blocked” ‘Fortnite’ in the U.S. on the App Store and alternative app markets in the European Union (EU), though Epic has now confirmed its title has finally returned to Apple devices in the U.S. and the EU. Gaming industry analysts estimate that Epic Games lost substantial potential revenue during the absence from iOS platforms.
“‘Fortnite’ is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads… and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU! It’ll show up in Search soon!” the studio said in a statement. The announcement generated massive social media interactions within hours of posting, demonstrating significant anticipation from the gaming community.
Apple and Epic have been wrapped in a bitter legal battle since 2020, when the Cupertino tech company removed ‘Fortnite’ from the App Store after the developer introduced its own direct in-game payment method to avoid Apple’s 30 per cent in-app purchase fee. This fee structure affects thousands of developers and generates substantial revenue for Apple annually across its ecosystem.
After blocking ‘Fortnite’ from the App Store in the U.S. and alternative marketplaces in the EU, Epic returned to the judge of the case, who said Apple was “fully capable of resolving this issue without further briefing or a hearing”, and warned the official who was “personally responsible for ensuring compliance” would have to return for a hearing. Legal experts noted this was an unusually stern warning from the federal court, indicating the seriousness of the compliance issues.
Apple and Epic have since filed a joint notice saying they have “resolved all issues”. The resolution comes as regulatory pressure on Apple’s App Store practices has intensified globally, with investigations ongoing in multiple jurisdictions including the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.
“Pursuant to the Court’s Order to Show Cause entered on May 19, 2025 (Dkt. 1576), the parties (Epic Games, Inc. and Apple Inc.) jointly submit that they have resolved all issues presented by the Motion to Enforce filed on May 16, 2025 (Dkt. 1568) and that no further submissions by the parties or action by the Court are required with respect to that Motion,” the document reads. This legal language represents a complete resolution of all outstanding disputes between the two companies.
The return of Fortnite to iOS devices is expected to significantly impact both companies’ financial performance. Industry analysts project that Epic Games could see substantial revenue increases within the first quarter of availability, while Apple stands to benefit from restored App Store transaction fees and increased device sales among gaming enthusiasts.
The lengthy legal battle became a landmark case in the ongoing debate over app store monopolies and developer rights. The dispute influenced regulatory discussions worldwide, contributing to new legislation in the European Union’s Digital Markets Act and similar initiatives in other regions addressing digital platform governance.
Gaming industry experts predict that Fortnite’s return will trigger a surge in iOS gaming activity, particularly among younger demographics who represent the game’s core audience. Market research indicates that the majority of Fortnite players use iOS devices as their primary gaming platform, making this return highly significant for user engagement.
The resolution also sets important precedents for other developers who have disagreements with major app store operators. Several prominent gaming companies, including Spotify and Match Group, have been closely monitoring the Epic-Apple case for potential implications on their own app store disputes and future negotiations.
Security and privacy advocates have noted that the return includes enhanced data protection measures and clearer user consent protocols, reflecting the evolving regulatory landscape around digital platforms and user data rights across international markets.
Technical preparations for the relaunch involved extensive testing and optimization to ensure seamless gameplay across all iOS devices. Epic Games reported that the mobile version includes all recent updates and features available on other platforms, ensuring iOS players won’t miss out on the latest content and gameplay improvements that have been developed during the absence.
The successful resolution demonstrates how legal pressure and regulatory oversight can influence the practices of major technology companies, potentially paving the way for more developer-friendly policies across the industry. Consumer advocacy groups have praised the outcome as a victory for competitive markets and user choice in digital ecosystems.
