Fortnite is finally coming back to iPhones and iPads. The long legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has led to a major shift. A U.S. court ruled that Apple acted unfairly by restricting app developers from offering alternative payment options.
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Why Apple Removed Fortnite from the App Store
In 2020, Epic Games introduced its own payment system inside the Fortnite app. Apple responded by banning Fortnite from the App Store. This sparked a legal fight in 2021. Apple won most parts of the case, but the court ordered it to allow external payment links. 
Court Says Apple Broke the Rules
On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled that Apple violated the court’s earlier order. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter). The court said Apple was still trying to block fair competition.
Apple must now let developers show users third-party payment options. It also cannot charge fees for purchases made outside the App Store.
Fortnite Expected to Return by May 11
Tim Sweeney confirmed that Fortnite should return to the U.S. App Store by May 11. He also offered Apple a deal: if Apple applies the same rules worldwide, Epic will end all legal action.
“We will return Fortnite to the U.S. iOS App Store next week,” Sweeney posted. “If Apple uses these rules globally, we’ll drop the lawsuits.”
What’s Coming With the iOS Relaunch?
Fortnite fans may see the return of the Tart Tycoon skin. This skin was first released in 2020 and mocks Apple’s business model. The game may also bring back the Tart Tycoon Cup, a one-time special event.
What This Means for App Developers
This ruling forces Apple to let developers share cheaper payment alternatives. It marks a big shift for iOS app sales. Apple must now follow the rules without delay.
Epic is also fighting similar battles with Google and Samsung. If they win, Android users could benefit too.
