Fortnite returns to iPhone app store after years of legal battle

In May 2025, the popular video game Fortnite became available once again on Apple's app store in the United States, following an absence that lasted nearly five years. The game was removed in August 2020 due to a violation of Apple’s policies, specifically for attempting to implement its own in-app payment system. This bypassed Apple's standard commission structure, which charges between 15% to 30% on in-app transactions. The action led to a substantial legal conflict between Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, and Apple, as Epic claimed that Apple's practices represented an illegal monopoly. The legal battle stemmed from Epic's dissatisfaction with Apple's app store policies, which they argued were unfairly restrictive and designed to benefit Apple at the expense of developers. Epic filed a lawsuit asserting that Apple was leveraging its dominance to impose unjust fees and control the app ecosystem. Despite losing a key ruling in 2021, which upheld Apple's right to manage its payment processes, the court instructed Apple to modify its payment systems to allow for links to alternative options. This ruling marked a shift towards more competition within the app ecosystem. For a period, the two companies appeared to be at an impasse, especially after Apple issued a statement indicating it had resolved disputes that were blocking Fortnite’s reinstatement on its platform. Following a series of hearings and legal motions, including a civil contempt motion against Apple, a federal judge scheduled a hearing regarding Epic’s requests. This culminated in a court decision that opened the door for Fortnite's official re-entry into the app store, highlighting a significant moment in the ongoing conflict over digital marketplace governance. The return of Fortnite is not just a win for Epic Games but also represents a noteworthy shift in Apple's approach to its app store. The legal pressures from Epic and other developers have prompted Apple to alter its longstanding fee structures and allow more competitive alternatives. Consequently, Fortnite's availability not only revitalizes its user base but suggests a regulatory environment increasingly aware of the demand for fair competition in digital marketplaces. Users can now download Fortnite not only from the U.S. app store but also from Epic's own store and alternative platforms in the European Union, showcasing the potential of broader access for popular applications in today’s technology landscape.