Fortnite Returns to iPhone App Store After Legal Battle with Apple

The hit computer game Fortnite has returned to the iPhone App Store in the United States, marking the end of a long-standing exile triggered by a high-stakes court battle over Apple’s in-app purchase fees.

Epic Games, the parent company of Fortnite, celebrated the game’s long-awaited return to iOS in a Tuesday announcement. This marks the first time the game will be available on iPhones and iPads since 2020, when it was removed for attempting to bypass Apple’s 15% to 30% commission on in-app purchases.

Apple’s Payment System Sparks Legal Feud

The popular battle royale game’s comeback comes just days after Epic filed a motion asking a federal judge to order Fortnite’s reinstatement as part of a civil contempt ruling against Apple.

In a brief court filing late Tuesday, Apple confirmed that the dispute keeping Fortnite off its iOS platform had been resolved. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant declined to provide additional comments.

The Legal War Between Apple and Epic Games

This development is part of a broader legal feud. Epic sued Apple, accusing the tech giant of operating an illegal app store monopoly claims that was largely dismissed in a 2021 federal court ruling.

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Although US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple had not violated antitrust laws, she did order Apple to allow alternative in-app payment options. This move was aimed at fostering more competition and lowering costs for consumers.

After losing an appeal that reached the US Supreme Court, Apple introduced a new policy allowing links to third-party payment systems while still collecting a 27% commission on those payments.

Epic’s Retaliation and Fortnite’s Reinstatement

Epic Games pushed back, accusing Apple of defying the court’s intent. The legal sparring continued for nearly a year until Judge Gonzalez Rogers issued a scathing rebuke, forbidding Apple from taking any commissions on alternative payment methods.

While that ruling should have cleared the path for Fortnite’s return, Epic claimed last week that Apple was still blocking the game. Apple argued it had the right to continue blocking Fortnite while appealing the contempt order. Epic then sought another court order to compel Apple to allow Fortnite back onto the App Store.

On Monday, Judge Gonzalez Rogers questioned why Apple was still restricting Fortnite’s access without a stay from the appeals court. She scheduled a May 27 hearing in Oakland, California, to address Epic’s latest motion, noting that “Apple is fully capable of resolving this issue without further briefing or a hearing.”