Fortnite has officially made its way back to the Apple App Store, ending a years-long standoff between Epic Games and Apple. For mobile gamers and developers alike, this is more than just a game returning — it’s a major moment in the ongoing debate over app store rules and developer freedom
Back in August 2020, Epic Games tried to bypass Apple’s 30% cut on in-app purchases by adding a direct payment option inside Fortnite. Apple didn’t take kindly to that and quickly pulled Fortnite from the App Store, claiming Epic broke the rules all developers agree to.
What followed was a legal showdown that grabbed headlines across the tech and gaming worlds. Epic sued Apple, accusing the company of running a monopoly and unfairly locking down its platform. The case sparked heated debates about app store policies, digital marketplaces, and who really controls what happens on your phone.
After a long legal battle, the court issued a mixed ruling. Apple was allowed to keep most of its App Store policies, but the judge also ordered that Apple must let developers offer alternative payment options. That part of the decision opened the door for Fortnite’s return — and it’s a big deal for any developer hoping for more freedom in how they handle payments.
It’s not a total win for Epic, but it’s definitely a turning point. And for gamers? It means Fortnite is finally back on iOS devices.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to Twitter to share the news, posting:
“Fortnite is back on iOS! This is a win for all developers and the future of open platforms. Thank you to our players for standing with us.”
The gaming community quickly picked up on the tweet, with many celebrating Fortnite’s return — and the bigger implications for app store fairness.