Fortnite Could Soon Return to the App Store as Game Awaits Apple Review

US-based video game developer Epic Games-owned mobile battle royale video game Fortnite is coming back to the Apple App Store after the latter had modified its Store rules to abide by court orders. External links and other forms of payment within apps are now permitted by App Store. The official X account of Fortnite posted, “We’ve submitted Fortnite to Apple for review so we can launch on the App Store in the U.S.”

After the formalities with the review are successfully done and in favour of Epic Games, then the game will be launched internationally on App Store after a ban of over four years. According to Apple’s developer website, on average 90 per cent of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours.

Epic Games notified that the app had been submitted for review on May 9; it is now shortly likely to be back in the App Store.

The war between Apple and Epic Games started in 2020, when Epic added a direct payment alternative to Fortnite on iOS, bypassing Apple’s 30 per cent commission on in-app purchases. Apple retaliated by pulling Fortnite from its App Store, leading Epic to sue the company on antitrust grounds. Following several hearings, the US court in 2025 handed down a ruling in Epic Games’ favour, after which the maker of Battletop iPhone was forced to change its App Store guidelines to comply with the ruling.

Most interestingly, Epic Games also battled Google in that the latter also did not permit the former to maintain its direct payment feature to begin with.

Conclusion

The anticipated return of Fortnite to the Apple App Store marks a major turning point in mobile gaming and app store regulations. With Apple now allowing alternative payment systems, Epic Games’ legal battle may have long-term implications for developers seeking greater freedom and revenue control. As the app awaits approval, Fortnite fans and the broader gaming industry watch closely, anticipating a major shift in how mobile platforms operate.