Fortnite is back on the Apple App Store in the United States. This marks the end of a nearly five-year absence that started in 2020. The game’s return follows a major legal battle between Epic Games, Fortnite’s developer, and Apple.
Why Was Fortnite Removed?
In 2020, Epic Games introduced its own payment system inside Fortnite. This allowed players to buy in-game items directly from Epic, avoiding Apple’s usual 30% commission fee. Apple saw this as a violation of its App Store rules and removed Fortnite from the store. Epic responded by suing Apple, accusing it of unfair monopoly practices.
What Changed?
The legal fight went on for years. In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that Apple broke a court order by blocking apps that include links to external payment options. The judge ordered Apple to either bring Fortnite back or provide a valid legal reason to keep it off the store.
Following this, Epic submitted Fortnite for review on May 9, 2025. Apple approved the game’s return on May 20, 2025.
Where Can You Play Fortnite Now?
- In the US: Fortnite is available again on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads.
- In the European Union: Players can download Fortnite through the Epic Games Store.
Epic Games also offers a 20% rebate on purchases made through its payment system, encouraging players to use it instead of Apple’s.
What Does This Mean?
Before being removed, Fortnite had over 116 million users on Apple devices. Globally, it has about 400 million registered players. Apple’s App Store fees are a major source of revenue, contributing nearly $27 billion in the last quarter alone.
Fortnite’s return signals a shift in how app stores handle payment systems and developer control. It could lead to more apps offering external payment options on iOS in the future.
How to Download Fortnite on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Apple App Store.
- Search for “Fortnite.”
- Download and install the game.
- Log in with your Epic Games account to access your progress.
Key Takeaways
| Point | Detail |
| Fortnite’s return | Back on US Apple App Store after nearly 5 years |
| Legal reason | Court ruled Apple must allow external payment links |
| Availability | US App Store, Epic Games Store, AltStore (EU) |
| Payment incentives | Epic offers 20% rebate on its payment system |
| Player base | 400 million worldwide, 116 million on Apple devices before ban |
FAQs
Q: Why was Fortnite banned from the Apple App Store?
- A: Epic added its own payment system to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, violating App Store rules.
Q: Can I download Fortnite on iPhone now?
- A: Yes, it returned to the US Apple App Store on May 20, 2025.
Q: Is Fortnite available outside the App Store?
- A: Yes, in the EU via Epic Games Store
Q: What legal change allowed Fortnite back?
- A: A court ruled Apple must allow apps to link to external payment options.
Q: Does Apple still take a cut from Fortnite purchases?
- A: Apple allows external payments but discourages them. Epic offers rebates to promote its system.
Fortnite’s comeback on iOS is a major moment in the fight over app store rules. It shows that developers can challenge big platforms and win more control over how they sell digital goods. What will this mean for other apps and games? Only time will tell
