Fortnite Storms Back to US App Store After Epic Legal Victory Over Apple

Fortnite, the wildly popular battle royale game, has made a triumphant return to the US App Store after a five-year absence, which is an important turning point in Epic Games’ protracted legal battle with Apple.

The game’s reinstatement follows a landmark court ruling that forced Apple to loosen its grip on in-app payment restrictions, allowing developers like Epic to offer alternative payment methods.

As of Tuesday, Fortnite is also available on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU, with App Store search visibility expected soon.

A Legal Battle Reshapes App Store Policies

The saga began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic introduced a direct payment option for in-game purchases, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission and offering players a 20% discount on virtual currency.

Epic swiftly retaliated with a lawsuit, accusing Apple of anti-competitive practices. In a pivotal ruling, a US judge found Apple in “willful violation” of laws barring restrictive pricing policies.

Last month, the court mandated that Apple allow developers to process payments outside the App Store without imposing fees, a decision that paved the way for Fortnite’s return.

Real-time data from app analytics platforms shows Fortnite downloads surged by 15% globally within hours of its US App Store relaunch on May 20, 2025.

Did You Know?
Fortnite, launched in 2017, has over 500 million players globally. Its 2020 Travis Scott concert drew 12 million viewers, and its May 2025 US App Store return sparked 3.2 million searches in 48 hours.

Apple’s Approval Delays and Epic’s Response

Despite the court’s ruling, Epic faced hurdles in getting Fortnite back on the App Store, alleging that Apple intentionally delayed the approval process. Earlier this week, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a filing directing Apple to approve Epic’s submission or provide a legal justification for any rejection.

This judicial nudge likely accelerated Fortnite’s reinstatement. The new version of Fortnite on the App Store incentivizes players with a 20% cashback for purchases made directly through Epic’s payment system, a move that underscores the company’s push for greater control over its revenue streams.

ALSO READ | Fortnite Vanishes from iPhones Worldwide as Apple-Epic Feud Escalates

Implications for Developers and Consumers

Fortnite’s return signals a broader shift in the mobile gaming landscape, as developers gain more flexibility to bypass Apple’s in-app payment fees. This could lead to lower prices for consumers, with Epic’s 20% cashback offer already setting a precedent.

However, the ongoing tension between Epic and Apple highlights the challenges of reforming app store policies in a market dominated by tech giants.

Reports indicate that Fortnite’s return has sparked renewed interest, with an estimated 2 million US users searching for the game on the App Store within the first 24 hours of its relaunch.

The game’s availability on alternative platforms like the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU further expands its reach, particularly in regions with strict digital market regulations.