Fortnite returns to Apple’s US App Store after nearly five-year absence

Popular video game Fortnite has made a highly anticipated return to Apple’s App Store in the United States after being removed almost five years ago. The game was initially taken down in August 2020 after Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, introduced its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple’s mandatory 30% commission on all in-app purchases. This bold move sparked a lengthy legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, with Epic accusing Apple of monopolistic practices and unfair fees.

On the social media platform X, Fortnite announced its reappearance on the US App Store, as well as availability on the Epic Games Store and AltStore within the European Union. The post hinted that the game would soon become searchable on Apple’s platform, signaling a new chapter for the game’s accessibility. Apple, for its part, has yet to comment on the development but has consistently defended its App Store policies, citing user security concerns as the rationale for strict guidelines.

Industry experts are viewing this development as a significant win for Epic Games. Joost van Dreunen, a professor specializing in the business of games at NYU Stern, described the event as “a clear win” for Epic, emphasizing how the company “effectively forced open a door that Apple and others worked very hard to keep shut.” He added that this marks a pivotal shift in the power dynamics of app distribution, granting creators and publishers more leverage to challenge longstanding platform gatekeeping and control.

Fortnite had already returned to the European Union’s Apple App Store earlier this year following a four-year absence. That comeback was largely driven by new regulations aimed at fostering greater competition in digital marketplaces. Similarly, Google, which had also removed Fortnite from its Play Store in 2020 for the same reasons, lifted its ban last year, allowing the game to return to its platform.

Fortnite remains one of the most popular games globally, boasting approximately 400 million registered players. The game combines shooting and building mechanics but is best known for its online battle royale mode, where up to 100 players compete in a last-player-standing competition. Its return to Apple’s App Store is likely to rejuvenate its player base and broaden its reach on iOS devices after years of absence.