Fortnite is back on iPhone: Epic Games confirms US relaunch

Epic’s return to iOS comes after court ruling prevented Apple from blocking alternative in-app payment options
An undated image of Fortnite poster annd Apple logo. — Epic Games/Apple
An undated image of Fortnite poster annd Apple logo. — Epic Games/Apple 

Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store in the US, Epic Games confirms, marking a big moment for mobile gamers.

The wildly popular online game, best known for its battle royale mode and huge virtual events, was removed from the App Store in 2020 after a major dispute with Apple.

Epic Games vs Apple 

Epic had added its payment system inside the Fortnite app, which violated Apple's rules, leading to the ban from the App Store. 

However, a recent ruling in the Epic Games vs. Apple case did not allow Apple to prevent developers from having other ways to enable in-app purchases from inside their apps. This ruling was what has allowed Fortnite's return on iOS in the US.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney previously hinted they were coming back and suggested a deal with Apple that if Apple allowed Epic to do the same worldwide, Epic would drop all court cases against Apple and bring Fortnite back to all platforms. On May 9, Epic submitted the app using its Swedish developer account.

However, a few days later, Epic claimed Apple blocked the app again, especially in Europe.

After which, Apple responded, saying it simply asked Epic to adjust the update for the US only, to avoid issues elsewhere. The matter went to court again, and a judge urged both sides to fix it without more hearings.

Excitingly, on Tuesday, Fortnite officially relaunched on the App Store, and both companies said the issue had been resolved.

Moreover, iPhone users in the US can now re-download the game. It is a small file at first, but once the game is opened, it will require an additional 12.95GB of storage to install the full game.

Additionally, Epic has also launched a promotion in which, if players use Epic's payment system in Fortnite, Rocket League, or Fall Guys, they will receive 20% in Epic Rewards.

This offer is available across platforms, including iOS, Android, PC, and web.