Epic Games’ Fortnite Back on US iOS Devices Following Legal Victory

 

Fortnite Returns to US Apple App Store After Nearly Five-Year Ban

May 21, 2025 — Epic Games’ immensely popular battle royale game, Fortnite, has made its much-anticipated return to the US Apple App Store after being absent since August 2020. The comeback ends a prolonged legal battle between Epic Games and Apple over app store policies and payment systems.

Background of the Dispute

Fortnite was originally removed from the App Store when Epic Games introduced a direct payment method within the game, allowing users to purchase in-game currency without going through Apple’s payment system. Apple requires all in-app purchases to use its own payment platform and charges a 30% commission on these transactions.

Epic’s move violated Apple’s App Store guidelines, leading Apple to pull Fortnite from its iOS platform. Epic immediately responded by suing Apple, accusing the company of monopolistic and anti-competitive practices. The lawsuit sparked a high-profile legal fight that has since involved multiple court rulings and regulatory scrutiny around the world.

Legal Developments Leading to Fortnite’s Return

The turning point came on April 30, 2025, when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple violated a previous court injunction by continuing to block alternative payment systems and Fortnite’s reinstatement. The judge’s decision included a referral for criminal contempt investigations against Apple for non-compliance.

Following this ruling, Epic Games submitted an updated version of Fortnite to Apple on May 9, 2025, adhering to the latest court directives.

Though Apple initially resisted allowing Fortnite back in the US App Store, both companies filed a joint notice resolving the issue, which paved the way for Fortnite’s return on May 20, 2025.

What This Means for Players

iPhone and iPad users running iOS 17.6 or later with a minimum of 4GB RAM can now download Fortnite once again from the US App Store. The installation process is slightly different from before: players download a small launcher app first, which then downloads the full game (around 13GB) directly from Epic’s servers.

To encourage the use of its payment system, Epic Games has introduced a 20% bonus on purchases made through their platform. This offer is available across devices, including iOS.

Broader Impact on the Industry

Fortnite’s return signals a landmark shift in the ongoing debates over app store governance, developer freedom, and consumer choice. Earlier, regulatory actions in the European Union had already forced Apple to allow Fortnite’s return on iOS devices there, setting a precedent that influenced this recent US development.

The case highlights increasing pressure on major app stores to loosen restrictions and offer fairer terms to developers, impacting the future of digital marketplaces globally.

How to Download Fortnite on iOS Now

1. Open the Apple App Store on a compatible iPhone or iPad.

2. Search for "Fortnite" and download the small launcher app.

3. The launcher will automatically download the full game (~13GB) from Epic Games’ servers.

4. After installation, players can log in and access the full Fortnite experience, including ongoing updates and events.