Fortnite's Triumphant Return
After nearly five years off U.S. iPhones, Fortnite is back on the App Store, ending a high-stakes legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. The blockbuster shooter first landed on iOS in 2017, quickly amassing over 116 million users before Apple pulled it in 2020 over in-app payment disputes.
The Legal Showdown
Epic Games, backed by Tencent, took Apple to court in 2020, arguing that the iPhone maker's 30% commission on in-app purchases violated U.S. antitrust rules. A U.S. federal judge's April ruling sided with Epic, ordering Apple to open the App Store to alternative payment options and rival app stores.
What This Means for Gamers and Developers
For Fortnite players, it's a return to form: seamless updates, new seasons, and cross-platform play right on their iPhones. For subscription services and indie studios, this shift could unlock billions in saved fees and spur fresh innovation in mobile commerce.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the move with a post on X: 'We back fam.'
A Global Perspective
Fortnite had already bounced back on Android devices worldwide and on iPhones in the EU last year. The U.S. relaunch now aligns Apple's largest market with ongoing efforts to boost competition and developer choice across regions.
Looking Ahead
As Fortnite storms back onto U.S. iOS devices, the real winners may be consumers and creators eager to monetize without hefty commissions. Watch the App Store closely—its next act could redefine how we buy, play, and connect on mobile.
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Epic Games' Fortnite returns to U.S. iPhones after nearly 5 years
cgtn.com
