Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store in the US after almost five years

Fortnite makes a comeback on iOS in the US after a 1,740-day absence.

: Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store in the US after being removed nearly five years ago due to a legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. Originally delisted in 2020 for bypassing Apple's 30% commission with a direct payment method, Fortnite has now reclaimed its position as a top action game on iOS. The return follows a court order mandating Apple to cease anti-competitive practices. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the game's availability, marking a significant regulatory victory for the company.

Fortnite's unexpected return to the iOS App Store in the US marks a significant moment in the protracted legal standoff between Epic Games and Apple. Removed in 2020 after Epic defied Apple's in-app purchase policies, the game's comeback comes after a federal judge ordered Apple to curtail its restrictive practices, which included a hefty 30% commission on app sales and in-app purchases. This decision is viewed as a critical milestone in the broader movement advocating for more robust app marketplace competition and developer rights.

Epic Games initially clashed with Apple by introducing a direct payment option within Fortnite, a move intended to bypass the 'Apple Tax.' This led to the game's removal from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Since then, legal skirmishes have unraveled with Epic asserting that Apple's policies stifle competition and innovation within the mobile app market. The recent court ruling supports these claims, catalyzing Fortnite's re-emergence on the iOS platform.

Despite the court's ruling, Apple's resistance was palpable. Epic Games' submission of Fortnite's latest version faced delays due to what it termed Apple's non-compliance. The tech giant allegedly instructed Epic Sweden to resubmit the app without US App Store access prompts, exacerbating tensions. Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney publicly criticized Apple's maneuver, emphasizing the significance of the court's ruling in opening avenues for developers and consumers alike.

Public sentiment appeared to favor Epic's determination, as reflected in robust social media support including hashtags like #FreeFortnite, and the game's swift climb back to the top of the App Store's Action Games category. Tim Sweeney acknowledged supporters in a thanking tweet, especially those who shifted from backing Apple to supporting Epic's vision. Such backing underscores the wider demand among consumers for less restricted digital market landscapes.

The broader gaming and tech community awaits how this resolution might influence ongoing and future regulatory battles. It's suggested that companies similar to Epic might leverage this precedent to challenge app marketplace leaders over competitive barriers. Additionally, separate legal matters involving Fortnite, such as the AI voice generation concern with SAG-AFTRA, highlight potentially contentious intersections of technology and labor rights.

Sources: TechSpot, X, Fortnite

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