Fortnite has officially returned to iOS devices in the United States after nearly five years of legal disputes between Epic Games and Apple. The conflict began in August 2020 when Epic introduced direct payments in Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s App Store system to avoid the 30% transaction fee. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a legal battle that would reshape the mobile gaming landscape.
Epic launched a public campaign against Apple, featuring the hashtag #FreeFortnite and a satirical trailer echoing Apple’s iconic 1984 commercial. The two companies then entered a years-long court fight, with Epic claiming Apple’s App Store practices violated antitrust laws.
The legal case saw several key moments: 
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September 2021: A judge ruled that Apple must allow developers to link to external payment options, though Epic had to pay damages.
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January 2024: Apple revised its App Store rules, but Epic accused the company of making the changes intentionally difficult for users.
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March 2024: Epic filed a motion claiming Apple hadn’t complied with the court’s order.
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May 2025: A judge ruled in Epic’s favor and demanded that Fortnite be reinstated on iOS, accusing Apple of disobedience.
Despite the ruling, Apple initially blocked Epic’s App Store submission over technicalities. Epic appealed again, and after more legal pressure, Apple finally relented, allowing Fortnite back on iOS in the U.S. as of May 20, 2025—exactly 1,740 days since its removal.
For now, the app may not appear in App Store searches, but it’s available for download via direct links or through the Epic Games Store.
While this legal battle has ended, it sets a precedent likely to affect how digital storefronts operate moving forward. The case highlights ongoing tensions around platform control, developer freedom, and fair competition.
Fortnite’s return marks a significant win for Epic and a turning point for mobile game distribution. Time will tell how it influences the broader app ecosystem, but fans can now return to the island from their iPhones once again.
