Fortnite returns to iOS App Store after Apple delays Epic Games' resubmission
Fortnite officially returned to the US iOS App Store on May 20, 2025, ending a long-running dispute between Epic Games and Apple.
The popular battle royale game had been absent from Apple's platform since August 2020, when Epic removed it in protest of Apple's commission fees on in-app purchases like V-Bucks.
The legal battle culminated on May 1, 2025, when a judge ruled against Apple, ordering the company to stop imposing commissions on in-app purchases via web links. Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision, promising Fortnite would return to the App Store within a week.
However, Apple's app review process delayed the game's return. Despite Apple's claim that most app submissions are reviewed within 24 hours, Epic's Fortnite resubmission was blocked for nearly five days. Epic later revealed Fortnite would remain offline worldwide on iOS until Apple allowed the updated version.
The dispute continued publicly until May 19, 2025, when a judge warned Apple to resolve the issue promptly or face further court action. Following this, Fortnite passed Apple's review and was reinstated on the US iOS App Store.
The latest Fortnite update encourages players to purchase V-Bucks directly through Epic Games rather than Apple, offering 20% back in Epic Rewards credits for in-app purchases. This shift marks a significant win for Epic in its ongoing battle over app store commissions and developer control.
With Fortnite's return, iOS players can once again access the game and its latest seasonal content after nearly five years of absence. The resolution also signals potential changes in app store policies regarding in-app purchases and developer rights.
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