Fortnite Returns to US iOS App Store After 5-Year Legal Battle

After a five-year absence stemming from a legal battle initiated in 2020, Fortnite has officially returned to the iOS App Store in the United States following a US judge's order requiring Apple to permit its reinstatement. The dispute began when Epic Games bypassed Apple's platform fees, leading to Fortnite's removal and a subsequent lawsuit challenging Apple's commission policies. The court ruling not only mandated Fortnite's return but also restricted Apple from charging fees on purchases made outside the app, allowing Epic to implement its own payment system with incentives such as a 20% bonus on in-game transactions. Despite initial resistance from Apple, the game is now available for download, coinciding with Fortnite's Star Wars-themed Galactic Battle season, much to the delight of fans and developers alike. Epic Games also plans to restore Fortnite on iOS devices in the European Union soon, signaling a potential shift in app store dynamics and developer freedoms globally. This development highlights ongoing tensions between major tech platforms and app developers, raising important questions about the future of digital marketplaces and payment processing.