Fortnite Returns to US iPhones After 5-Year Ban

Fortnite will make its comeback to iPhones and the U.S. iOS App Store next week following a landmark court decision, as confirmed by Epic CEO Tim Sweeney.

On April 30, a California federal district court ruled that Apple deliberately breached a court mandate in the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit, which required the tech giant to allow developers to offer alternative payment options outside their apps.

Sweeney extended an olive branch to Apple via Twitter, proposing a global solution: "Should Apple implement the court-approved fee-free system worldwide, we'll reintroduce Fortnite globally and end all related legal disputes," he stated.

Earlier this year, IGN revealed Sweeney had invested billions challenging Apple and Google's app store policies. He defended these expenditures as strategic investments in Epic's future, claiming the company could sustain this battle indefinitely.

The protracted conflict stems from Epic's refusal to pay the standard 30% mobile platform fees. Instead, the company aims to distribute Fortnite through its own Epic Games Store, circumventing Apple and Google's revenue shares. This standoff led to Fortnite's iOS removal back in 2020.

Now, after nearly five years, Fortnite finally prepares for its U.S. iPhone comeback.

Sweeney celebrated the ruling on Twitter: "Web transactions remain fee-free. This spells the end for Apple's unjust charges.

"Their 15-30% commissions stand invalidated—both in the U.S. by this ruling and in Europe through the Digital Markets Act. They're illegal everywhere."

The court has referred Apple to federal prosecutors for contempt. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers condemned Apple's anti-competitive behavior, stating, "This injunction isn't negotiable. Willful disregard of court orders carries consequences."

The judge specifically cited Apple executive Alex Roman's testimony—filled with "misdirection and outright lies"—about the company's compliance efforts.

Apple responded, "We fundamentally disagree with this decision and will appeal while complying with the current order."

Though Epic previously saw victories mainly in Europe via the Digital Markets Act, this U.S. ruling marks its most significant breakthrough yet.

The Epic Games Store launched in Europe last August, offering Fortnite and other titles on iOS and Android globally. However, mobile distribution challenges persist, with Epic reporting that aggressive warning screens deter up to half of potential users.

Despite financial strains that led to 830 layoffs (16% of staff) in 2023, Sweeney maintains Epic stands on solid ground, citing record-breaking performance for Fortnite and the Epic Games Store.