Fortnite Returns to iPhones After 5-Year US Ban

Fortnite will make its return to iOS devices in the U.S. next week following a major court decision, according to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.

On April 30, a U.S. Federal District Court in California ruled that Apple deliberately violated a court order from the Epic Games v. Apple case, which mandated that Apple allow developers to offer alternative payment methods outside their apps.

Sweeney proposed an olive branch to Apple via Twitter after years of legal battles: "If Apple implements the court's fee-free framework globally, we'll bring Fortnite back to all App Stores worldwide and cease all current and future litigation on this matter."

The Billion-Dollar Battle

As IGN reported earlier this year, Sweeney has invested billions contesting Apple and Google's app store policies. The executive framed these legal costs as a strategic investment in Epic's future, claiming the company could sustain this fight indefinitely.

The core issue remains Epic's refusal to pay the standard 30% platform fees, preferring instead to distribute Fortnite through its own Epic Games Store. This conflict previously led to Fortnite's removal from iOS in 2020.

Landmark Legal Ruling

Sweeney celebrated the court's decision on social media: "No more fees on web transactions. The Apple Tax is finished."

The judge found Apple in contempt, stating: "This isn't negotiable. When a company knowingly violates a court order, there are consequences." Federal prosecutors will now investigate Apple's conduct, particularly testimony from finance VP Alex Roman that contained "outright lies" about compliance efforts.

Apple maintains its disagreement with the ruling while promising compliance and filing an appeal.

Epic's Global Strategy

While this marks Epic's first major U.S. victory, the company previously established presence in Europe through the Digital Markets Act. Last August saw the Epic Games Store launch on EU iPhones and Android devices globally with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys.

However, mobile distribution challenges persist. Epic reports that warning screens deter nearly half of potential users. The legal battles have also taken their toll - the company laid off 16% of its workforce (830 employees) in September 2023, though Sweeney later declared the business financially stable with record engagement across Fortnite and its store platform.