Fortnite Returns to US iPhones After Legal Battles with Apple
After a near five-year absence sparked by a heated legal battle over in-app payment systems, Fortnite is once again available on the iOS App Store in the US. Epic Games confirmed the return, noting the game can also be accessed through the Epic Games Store and AltStore. This marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Epic and Apple, stemming from Epic's decision to implement its own payment system within Fortnite, violating Apple's App Store rules.
The initial removal occurred in 2020 after Epic Games challenged Apple's control over in-app purchases, a move that led to a major court ruling potentially forcing Apple to allow alternative payment methods. CEO Tim Sweeney had previously stated Epic's intention to bring Fortnite back to iOS if Apple adopted a more open, commission-free framework.
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However, the road to reinstatement wasn't smooth. Epic accused Apple of blocking Fortnite's return, even on alternative app stores in the EU. Apple countered that it had requested Epic to resubmit the app update without including the US storefront, to avoid impacting the game in other regions. Ultimately, a judge intervened, urging Apple to resolve the issue, or face a hearing involving the official responsible for compliance. It appears this intervention led to Fortnite's ultimate reappearance.
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Interestingly, Fortnite briefly disappeared completely, becoming unavailable on Apple's iOS globally before returning to US app store. Fortnite had expressed that Apple had blocked its bid, claiming "Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the U.S. App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Union". Apple contested to the statement, resulting in this tense situation.
Apple's initial removal of Fortnite stemmed from Epic's use of a direct payment technology within the game, a violation of Apple's established App Store policies. Rogers ruled in late April that Apple Vice President of Finance Alex Roman lied to the court about when Apple decided to collect a 27% fee on some purchases outside the App Store. Under her ruling in the case, it was expected that off-app purchases would not have a cut for Apple.
A new promotion for Fortnite players: Epic is incentivizing users to use its payment system by offering 20% back in Epic Rewards for purchases made in Fortnite, Rocket League, or Fall Guys on PC, iOS, Android, and the web.
The iOS version of Fortnite requires an initial small download, followed by a larger download (approximately 12.95GB) upon opening the app.
What impacts will this re-entering have on the overall gaming industry? Can Epic Games and Apple truly move forward after such heated litigation?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
Related issues news
Is Fortnite on the App Store?
Apple banned Fortnite from its store in 2020 but allowed the game back last year following pressure from European Union authorities for Big Tech companies to comply with the bloc's Digital Markets Act. Last year, it also approved Epic Games' marketplace app on iPhones and iPads in Europe.
Why did Apple block Fortnite?
The roots of the dispute stretch back to 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic implemented a direct payment option, bypassing Apple's required in-app purchase system.
Is Fortnite coming to iOS in the US?
Fortnite maker Epic Games has announced that Apple has blocked the game's return to iOS.
When will Fortnite be on the App Store?
Fortnite is now available worldwide on Android, and on iOS and iPadOS in the European Union, thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
