Fortnite Returns to US iOS App Store After Five-Year Legal Dispute

After nearly five years of legal battles and delays, Fortnite has finally returned to the iOS App Store in the United States. The dispute began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite for bypassing its in-app payment system, leading to a high-profile court case that partially ruled against Apple's restrictions on directing users to external payment options. Despite initial court victories for Epic Games, Apple delayed Fortnite's return by resisting compliance and implementing warning measures against third-party payments. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers reprimanded Apple for ignoring court orders and lying, ultimately compelling the company to allow Fortnite back onto the App Store. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney welcomed the resolution and called for a broader adoption of Apple's court-mandated payment framework worldwide to end litigation. The game's return marks a significant shift in App Store policies and a hard-fought victory for Epic Games over Apple's App Store control.