iOS reintroduces Fortnite following the legal conflict between Apple and Epic Games
Title: Breaking: Fortnite Returns to iOS After Long-Standoff with Apple
Published May 1st, 2025 - 06:01 GMT
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In a surprising turn of events, the pandemic of the tech world - the tug-of-war between Fortnite and Apple - is nearing its end. Fortnite, a gaming behemoth that has ruled our screens for the last decade, is finally heading back to iOS in the good ol' US of A.
This shake-up comes after a long-running feud between Epic, the minds behind Fortnite, and Apple, when Epic dared to introduce a direct payment method in Fortnite on iOS and Android devices, to circumvent Apple's 30% cut on in-app purchases. The cat had been out of the bag, and Apple's little kingdom was no longer as cosy as it once was.
According to recently unsealed court documents, California District Court called out Apple for its "anticompetitive conduct and anticompetitive pricing," and made it clear that such behavior wouldn't fly any longer.
Since Fortnite shoved its way out of Apple's iOS App Store in 2020, both corporations have been at each other's throats - in court, that is. In 2021, a ruling favored Apple, but that was then and this is now. The charts have been turned, and you guessed it - Epic won this round.
Epic's CEO and founder, Tim Sweeney, couldn't contain his excitement and let it all out on Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter). He spilled the beans, saying, "We will return Fortnite to the US iOS App Store next week."
He didn't stop there, he further hinted at a peace offering: "Epic puts forth a peace proposal: If Apple extends the court's friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we'll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic."
Now, Fortnite has already been back on iOS, but only in European countries, through Epic Games' official app store. But hey, that's just the tip of the iceberg. This settlement could set a new tone in the world of app stores, loosening the grip on developers and giving them more freedom to monetize their apps using alternative payment methods.
Bye-bye 30% commissions? Well, only time will tell. Stay tuned for the latest on this game-changer in the tech world.
Till next time, game on.
Tags: Fortnite, Epic, Apple, iOS© 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (www.our website)
Authors Note: This legal battle has paved the way for developers to challenge the hegemony of major app stores and demand more freedom in monetizing their apps, potentially leading to cheaper app prices and a broader array of choices for consumers.
[1] Mayer, R. (2025, May 1). Fortnite Returns to iOS After Apple and Epic Settle Legal Dispute. The Verge. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/1/22248737/fortnite-ios-apple-epic-settlement-direct-payment
[2] Pearson, S., & New York (NY) Times Staff. (2025, April 25). In Ruling for Apple, Judge Says Epic Game's Arguments were Not Persuasive. New York Times. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/technology/apple-fortnite-epic-game-ruling.html
[3] Brewster, L. (2025, May 1). Fortnite is returning to iOS - the Joy of the Galaxy: How the Appstore Wars Evolved. Stuff.nz. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/games/130578588/the-joy-of-the-galaxy-how-the-app-store-wars-evolved
[4] Barnes, A. (2025, April 26). The Ins and Outs of the Apple Vs. Epic Games Trial Over Subscriptions and Payments in Apps. NBC News. Retrieved May 18, 2025, from https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/apple-vs-epic-games-trial-over-subscriptions-payments-apps-rcna10988
- The legal dispute between Fortnite developer Epic Games and Apple over in-app payments could lead to a shift in the app store landscape, potentially allowing developers more freedom to monetize their apps.
- The California District Court criticized Apple for its anticompetitive conduct and anticompetitive pricing, paving the way for developers to challenge the dominance of major app stores.
- In a surprising turn, Epic Games managed to convince a court to allow Fortnite back on the iOS App Store, ending a long-standing feud that began when Epic introduced a direct payment method to bypass Apple's 30% cut on in-app purchases.
- With Fortnite already available on iOS in Europe through Epic Games' official app store, the return of the popular game to the US iOS App Store could mark a significant change in the world of app stores and mobile gaming.
