Epic Games Submits Fortnite to US Apple App Store After Court Ruling

Epic Games has submitted Fortnite to Apple's U.S. App Store following a favorable court ruling that prohibits Apple from charging commissions on external payment links, a key factor in the game's original removal in 2020. Despite the submission, Fortnite's return to the App Store has faced delays, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney indicating that the game would not launch earlier than the end of the week and the exact release date remaining uncertain. The legal battle, which began with Epic's attempt to bypass Apple's 30% commission by introducing a direct payment system, culminated in a 2025 ruling that opened the door for more app store competition and changed the app monetization landscape. Apple has sought to pause the ruling through a federal appeals court, warning it would lose control over its business operations, but Epic continues to push for Fortnite's re-entry on iOS. The game has already been available in the EU since mid-2024, and its U.S. return is highly anticipated by fans and developers alike, signaling a potential shift in global app store policies. This ongoing saga reflects broader implications for app developers worldwide as they navigate evolving regulations and challenge established tech giants.