Fortnite Makes a Triumphant Return to iOS in the U.S. After Five-Year Apple Ban

After a prolonged legal fight and regulatory pressure, Epic Games’ flagship title Fortnite has been officially approved for re-entry into Apple’s U.S. App Store. The first-person shooter, which boasts more than 500 million registered users worldwide, was initially banned in 2020 for violating Apple’s in-app purchase rules. As of Tuesday, the game is once again available for download on iPhones and iPads across the country.

This development follows a federal judge’s demand that Apple either approve Fortnite or provide a compelling reason for continued delay — a directive that helped break a stalemate that had lasted since Epic resubmitted the app on May 9, 2025.

The Backstory: Why Fortnite Was Removed

In August 2020, Epic Games triggered a seismic shift in the app economy by rolling out a direct payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. Apple swiftly removed the game and revoked Epic’s developer account, citing violations of App Store policy.

What followed was a bitter legal battle centered around antitrust, market fairness, and developer autonomy. Epic sued Apple, arguing that its App Store model was monopolistic and stifled innovation. The case became one of the most closely watched tech legal disputes in years.

A Legal Turning Point: Court Ruling and Industry Ripple Effects

Last month, a judge ruled partially in Epic’s favor, stating that Apple could not force developers to use its payment system nor restrict how payment links appear inside apps. This marked a crucial shift for app developers — and a significant dent in Apple’s tight control over app monetization.

Following the ruling, industry heavyweights like Amazon and Spotify quickly updated their iOS apps to allow users to make purchases outside the App Store. For instance, users can now buy Kindle books directly inside the iPhone app — a move that was previously restricted.

Epic, having submitted Fortnite for review in early May, grew frustrated with Apple’s delay and filed a legal motion. On Monday, a judge compelled Apple to take action or clarify its position — pushing Apple to finally approve the game’s return just one day later.

Apple’s Position and the Bigger Picture

While Apple has approved Fortnite in the U.S., it’s still appealing parts of the latest court ruling. The company is also seeking a stay that could potentially allow it to reverse changes already made to the App Store. Apple declined to comment publicly on the recent approval.

The App Store is a critical component of Apple’s financial engine. In Q1 2025, Apple’s Services segment — which includes App Store revenue, Apple TV+, AppleCare, and payment products — generated $27 billion, with app store fees representing a sizable share. Any shifts in commission policy or developer power have direct financial implications for Apple’s bottom line.

Fortnite's Global Comeback Strategy

Despite the U.S. ban, Epic has kept Fortnite alive through other platforms. In Europe, Epic leveraged the Digital Markets Act (DMA) — a pro-competition law that took effect in 2024 — to launch Fortnite through a third-party app store. Apple initially tried to block Epic’s European developer account but reversed course after facing additional scrutiny under the DMA.

Fortnite also remained accessible globally via cloud gaming platforms like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving mobile players alternate routes to engage with the game even during the App Store blackout.

What This Means for Developers and Gamers

The reinstatement of Fortnite marks a pivotal moment not only for Epic Games but for the broader app developer community. It signals a potential shift in how digital marketplaces function and how power is distributed between platform owners and developers.

For players, the return of Fortnite means access to one of the world’s most popular online games — complete with cross-platform functionality, live events, and immersive battle royale gameplay that made it a cultural phenomenon.