Fortnite has reappeared on the U.S. App Store, ending a nearly five-year absence following a legal dispute between its developer, Epic Games, and Apple.
Highlights
The conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment option within the Fortnite app, allowing users to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system.
This move also included a 20% discount for transactions made using Epic’s payment method. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a high-profile legal confrontation that gained widespread attention in the tech industry.
The case reached a turning point in 2023 when a U.S. court found Apple in violation of competition laws and ordered the company to permit alternative payment methods without imposing its standard commission.
Although Apple initially resisted implementation, a recent directive from U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers required the company to either approve Epic’s resubmission of Fortnite or justify continued rejection with legal reasoning.
Following this directive, Fortnite has now returned to the U.S. App Store. It is also available in the European Union via both the Epic Games Store and the AltStore, a third-party app platform.
While the app may not yet appear prominently in search results, Epic has confirmed that visibility is expected to improve soon.
The reintroduced version continues to promote Epic’s direct payment system, offering a 20% cashback incentive for users who avoid Apple’s in-app purchasing.
Developments Surrounding Fortnite’s Return
1. Use of Swedish Developer Account for U.S. Submission
To navigate App Store requirements, Epic Games submitted Fortnite using its Swedish developer account. This move was part of a broader strategy to comply with Apple’s terms while accelerating the game’s reentry into the U.S. market.
2. Financial Consequences for Epic Games
Epic reported that the legal battle with Apple resulted in approximately $100 million in legal expenses. Additionally, the company estimates it lost over $1 billion in potential revenue during Fortnite’s removal from Apple’s platforms.
3. Continued Emphasis on Alternative Payments
In line with its earlier stance, Epic is once again encouraging players to use its direct payment method. The 20% cashback offer is designed to incentivize this approach and reduce reliance on Apple’s payment infrastructure.
4. New Content Launch: Star Wars-Themed Season
Coinciding with its App Store return, Fortnite introduced a Star Wars-themed season on May 2. The update features new in-game content and events, intended to re-engage existing players and attract new users.
5. Legal Uncertainty Surrounding App Store Availability
Although Fortnite is currently available on the App Store, Apple is pursuing legal avenues to delay the court’s enforcement of the order. This suggests that the game’s status on the platform could change depending on future judicial outcomes.
6. Epic Games’ Public Response
Following the game’s reinstatement, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney posted “We back fam” on social media platform X, highlighting the company’s return and signaling ongoing support for its player base.
Fortnite’s return indicates a shift in regulatory attitudes in both the U.S. and Europe, where digital marketplaces are under increasing pressure to adopt more open and flexible policies.
Epic’s sustained legal efforts have resulted in tangible policy adjustments and may set a precedent for other developers seeking to implement alternative monetization strategies.
