Fortnite Returns to US App Store After Five-Year Ban

Fortnite has officially returned to Apple’s App Store in the United States after a nearly five-year absence caused by a legal battle between Epic Games and Apple over payment methods and app store commission fees. The dispute began in 2020 when Epic introduced its own in-app payment system to bypass Apple's fees, leading to Fortnite's removal and a protracted legal fight. A pivotal court ruling in April 2025 prohibited Apple from charging commissions on purchases made through external links, prompting Epic to resubmit Fortnite, though Apple initially delayed the app’s approval. Following a judicial warning, Apple approved Fortnite’s reinstatement on May 20, 2025, allowing players to purchase V-Bucks directly from Epic with incentives like 20% back in rewards, marking a significant shift in app store policies. Despite Epic's partial victory, Apple is appealing the ruling and continues to defend its commission structure, signaling ongoing tensions in app ecosystem control. Fortnite’s return represents a landmark moment for developer rights and may influence future challenges to app store payment regulations.