The long wait is finally over for iPhone users in the United States and parts of Europe, as Fortnite has officially returned to the Apple App Store. This comes after nearly five years of legal disputes and policy clashes between Apple and Epic Games, the developer of the popular battle royale game. The game was made available again on iOS devices on May 20, 2025, marking a major shift in one of the tech industry’s most high-profile battles.
Let’s take a closer look at why Fortnite was removed, what has changed since, and what this means for iOS gamers and the gaming industry as a whole.
The Dispute Between Apple and Epic Games: A Quick Recap
Back in August 2020, Epic Games intentionally violated Apple’s App Store guidelines by introducing a direct payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission fee. This led Apple to swiftly remove Fortnite from the App Store, prompting Epic to file a lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolistic practices.
What followed was a lengthy and intense legal battle that put the spotlight on Apple’s control over the iOS ecosystem. The case raised questions about developer freedom, payment processing, antitrust laws, and the fairness of app store commissions.
A Landmark Legal Battle That Shaped the Industry
The legal fight between the two tech giants has had widespread implications. While a U.S. court ruled in 2021 that Apple must allow developers to link to alternative payment methods, it did not force Apple to reinstate Fortnite or permit third-party app stores on iOS devices at the time.
However, global pressure and regulatory shifts—especially in the European Union—have slowly started changing the landscape. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, for instance, requires Apple to open up its iOS platform to third-party app stores and alternative payment systems, which has helped pave the way for Fortnite’s return in Europe.
Fortnite Is Back in the US: A Major Milestone
On May 20, 2025, Epic Games announced that Fortnite was back on the App Store in the U.S., allowing iPhone and iPad users to download and play the game again. This marks a significant moment in the relationship between Apple and Epic, suggesting that some compromises may have been made, or that Epic is complying with the App Store’s payment policies—at least in the U.S.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to X (formerly Twitter) with a celebratory post: “We back fam,” confirming the return of the game and reigniting excitement among Fortnite’s iOS fanbase.
Fortnite Also Returns in the EU via Epic Games Store and AltStore
Alongside the U.S. release, Fortnite has also made its return in Europe through alternative app distribution platforms. Thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Epic is now able to distribute Fortnite via the Epic Games Store and AltStore on iOS devices. This means that iPhone and iPad users in the EU have more flexibility and options when it comes to downloading and playing Fortnite.
Epic Games posted an official note on X, saying:
“Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads… and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U!”
What Does This Mean for iOS Users?
For millions of iOS gamers, this return means they can finally enjoy Fortnite again on their preferred Apple devices, without having to resort to cloud gaming services or complicated workarounds. The reavailability of Fortnite on the App Store will likely lead to a significant surge in downloads and in-game activity.
In the EU, users now also have new ways to download Fortnite, offering a broader experience and potentially better deals, especially as Epic can now offer its own in-app payment system on those platforms—something that was not possible before.
What’s Next for Epic Games and Apple?
Although Fortnite’s return is a big step, the broader debate around App Store fees and developer freedom is far from over. Epic has made it clear that it will continue to advocate for a more open ecosystem on iOS. Meanwhile, Apple has started to adjust its App Store policies, especially in regions with stricter regulations like the EU.
This renewed availability might be temporary or conditional, depending on how both companies continue to navigate the complex web of global legal standards, developer tools, and digital store rules.
A Win for Gamers, A Shift in the Industry
Fortnite’s return to the App Store in the U.S. and its availability on third-party platforms in the EU marks a major victory for mobile gamers, and perhaps a partial win for Epic Games. It signals a possible thawing of relations between Apple and Epic, but more importantly, it reflects the changing nature of app store monopolies, legal accountability, and user choice in digital ecosystems.
As regulators and courts continue to scrutinize Apple’s App Store policies, we might see even more significant changes in how apps are distributed and monetized on iOS. For now, though, Fortnite fans can celebrate the return of their favorite battle royale on iPhone and iPad.
