Fortnite has officially returned to Apple’s US App Store after a four-year standoff, following legal pressure and a court ruling that challenged Apple’s payment rules. The tech giant confirmed the decision in a recent court filing, days after Epic Games accused Apple of ignoring a court order.
Fortnite Returns After Four-Year Ban
Apple has reinstated Fortnite on its US App Store, marking a major development in the long-running dispute between Apple and Epic Games. The popular battle royale game had been banned since August 2020, when Epic added its own payment system to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase fees.
At the time, Apple removed the game for violating App Store rules. This sparked a legal battle that would shape how app developers use third-party payment systems on iOS.
Court Push Forces Apple’s Move
Fortnite’s return follows recent court pressure. In a 2021 ruling, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to allow developers to link users to outside payment platforms. The judge stopped short of declaring Apple a monopoly but criticized its control over app transactions.
In response, Apple introduced a system that allowed developers to add external payment links. However, it still charged a 27% commission, which Epic argued went against the court’s intent to create fairer competition.
Epic filed a motion accusing Apple of contempt for continuing to block Fortnite. Days later, Apple reversed its stance and restored the game to the US App Store. A court hearing is scheduled for May 27 to address Apple’s compliance with earlier rulings.
Epic Celebrates a Legal Win
“Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads,” Epic Games wrote on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Epic has also made the game available in the European Union through its own app store and via AltStore, thanks to new EU digital laws that allow more freedom for developers.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has long accused Apple of stifling innovation and overcharging developers through its commission system. He praised the return of Fortnite as a victory for consumer choice and developer rights.
Global Legal Disputes Continue
Despite Fortnite’s return in the US, the game remains unavailable in many other regions. Epic’s legal battle with Apple is still unfolding in countries around the world.
In Europe, Epic has gained ground under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces large tech companies like Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment options. In Japan, South Korea, and Australia, regulators are also reviewing Apple’s policies.
In a statement, Apple said its move to reinstate Fortnite followed legal requirements and confirmed that all steps were taken under current App Store guidelines.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts say the decision marks a turning point. “This is a signal that Apple is feeling pressure to comply with evolving legal and market standards,” said Karen Wu, a tech law professor at UCLA. “Epic’s persistence is forcing changes in how Apple handles third-party apps and payments.”
Jordan Walsh, an antitrust expert, added, “Apple wants to avoid further court rulings that could impose stricter conditions. By restoring Fortnite now, they hope to ease tensions while keeping control over their platform.”
The upcoming court hearing on May 27 will be key. Judge Rogers is expected to assess whether Apple’s current policies truly meet the requirements of her earlier ruling.
Epic continues to push for broader changes, including the permanent return of Fortnite across all markets and the elimination of what it calls “unjustified commissions” on third-party payments.
For now, fans in the US can once again download and play Fortnite on their iPhones and iPads. But the broader conflict between Apple and Epic is far from over.