Technology/ Gaming: Fortnite returns to Apple’s app store after five-year absence
Fortnite is back on Apple’s U.S. App Store, nearly five years after its removal in 2020 for bypassing Apple’s payment system and avoiding its 30% commission fee. The dispute sparked a high-profile legal battle between Epic Games, Fortnite’s developer, and Apple, with Epic accusing the tech giant of monopolistic practices.
The game’s return marks a win for Epic, which has also relaunched Fortnite on its own store and AltStore in the EU.
Apple has yet to comment, but the move follows regulatory pressure, including the EU’s pro-competition laws.
Industry experts see this as a turning point. “Epic forced open a door Apple fought hard to keep shut,” said NYU Stern’s Joost van Dreunen, predicting more challenges to traditional app distribution models.
Fortnite, with 400 million players, was briefly blocked last week due to an update dispute.
Its return signals shifting power dynamics in digital marketplaces. Google, which also banned Fortnite in 2020, lifted its restrictions last year.
The game’s comeback underscores growing scrutiny over app store monopolies—and a victory for developers seeking fairer terms.
