Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store: Apple App Store
After nearly five years of absence, Fortnite, the globally popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, is officially back on the Apple App Store for iOS users in the United States. The game became available for download on May 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple.
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Why Fortnite Was Removed From the App Store
The saga began in August 2020, when Epic Games violated Apple’s App Store guidelines by embedding a third-party payment option inside Fortnite. This was a direct attempt to bypass Apple’s standard 30% commission on in-app purchases. In response, Apple promptly delisted Fortnite from the App Store, triggering a lawsuit that would soon reshape how app marketplaces operate globally.
The legal proceedings turned into a high-profile antitrust case, placing the practices of Apple’s App Store ecosystem under intense scrutiny.
Court Ruling Forces Apple to Comply
The turning point came on April 30, 2025, when a federal judge ruled that Apple had violated a court order related to allowing more competition within its App Store. According to the ruling, Apple was required to permit alternative app download methods and payment options, a directive stemming from an earlier court mandate.
In a surprising twist, the judge also referred Apple to federal prosecutors for a potential criminal contempt investigation, alleging non-compliance with the original court decision.
This verdict essentially cleared the path for Epic to resubmit Fortnite for iOS, opening the gates for its reinstatement on the App Store.
Availability in the US and Europe
Fortnite is now officially available for download on iPhones and iPads in the United States, directly from the App Store. In addition, European users can access the game via the Epic Games Store and the AltStore, thanks to new Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations that require Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS in the EU.
Epic confirmed that Fortnite’s listing might not immediately appear in App Store search results but would soon become fully searchable.
Multiple Payment Options with Epic Rewards
One of the most noticeable updates in Fortnite’s iOS version is the clear display of payment choices. Players can now select between Apple’s traditional in-app purchase system or Epic’s direct payment method.
To incentivize users to choose the latter, Epic is offering a 20% bonus in Epic Rewards for payments made directly through its system—further highlighting the ongoing competition for control over app-based transactions.
New Star Wars-Themed Season and Download Size
Fortnite’s return also comes at a strategic time—just after the launch of its Star Wars-themed season on May 2, 2025. Players jumping back in will be welcomed with a host of exclusive content, including characters and missions tied to the popular franchise.
To play Fortnite on iPhone, users will first download the base app from the App Store and then be prompted to install an additional 12.95 GB update to gain full access to the game.
Epic vs Apple: What’s Next?
While Fortnite’s return marks a win for Epic and a victory for developers seeking more freedom on iOS, the legal and regulatory battle is far from over. Apple’s App Store policies continue to face global scrutiny, and this case may set a precedent for future antitrust enforcement in digital marketplaces.
As for Epic Games, the company is now focusing on expanding its own app distribution ecosystem across both iOS and Android, with more titles and services expected to arrive via Epic’s storefront in the coming months.
How to Download Fortnite on iOS Now
If you’re an iPhone or iPad user in the U.S., here’s how to get Fortnite today:
- Open the App Store
- Search for Fortnite (or use Epic’s direct link if it doesn’t appear yet)
- Tap Download and install the base app
- Launch the app and complete the 12.95 GB content update
- Log in with your Epic Games account and start playing
Final Thoughts
Fortnite’s comeback on iOS signals a major shift in mobile app distribution norms. With alternative payments now available and Epic determined to disrupt the status quo, the App Store ecosystem may never look the same again. For gamers, it means more flexibility, better rewards, and the return of one of the most influential games of the last decade.
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