Fortnite returns to Apple App Store globally
After four years of legal battles, Epic's battle royale hit is back on iOS devices worldwide - except Australia. The return ends a bitter dispute over Apple's 30% App Store fees, though Epic vows to keep fighting anticompetitive practices.
Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store in almost every country, according to Video Games Chronicle. The game's availability ends a four-year absence that began when Epic Games sued Apple over its App Store payment policies. UAE iOS users can now redownload and play the battle royale title on their devices.
Key Takeaways
- Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store in almost every country including the UAE after a four-year absence.
- The game was removed in 2020 when Epic Games bypassed Apple's 30% fee structure with direct payments.
- Australia remains the only major region where Fortnite is still unavailable due to ongoing court proceedings.
- Epic Games continues to challenge Apple's 'anticompetitive App Store practices' despite the game's return.
- The legal battle began in 2020 over Apple's 30% cut on in-app purchases and restrictions on alternative payment methods.
What sparked the Epic vs Apple legal battle
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020 when Fortnite introduced a direct payment option to bypass Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases. Apple immediately removed the game from the App Store and terminated Epic's developer account for violating its terms of service.
Epic Games sued Apple, arguing the tech giant maintained anticompetitive practices by forcing developers to use its payment system exclusively. The case has become one of the most significant legal battles in mobile gaming history, with implications for how app stores operate globally.
The ongoing legal dispute has seen various court decisions and regulatory interventions across multiple countries, though Apple has largely maintained its App Store policies.
Epic's continued stance against Apple
Despite Fortnite's return, Epic Games remains defiant against Apple's App Store practices. "We will continue to challenge Apple's anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments," the company stated.
Epic highlighted regulatory momentum worldwide, noting laws passed in Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. However, the company criticised Apple for evading these regulations "with scare screens, fees, and onerous requirements."
"It's time for regulators to truly enforce the laws so developers and consumers around the world can benefit from an open and fair mobile app ecosystem," Epic added in its statement.
Why Australia remains locked out
Fortnite is notably absent from Australia's App Store despite the game's global return. Epic Games explained this stems from their successful court case against Apple in the region.
"Epic won its court case against Apple, the Court found many of Apple's developer terms are unlawful, and yet Apple continues to enforce those terms," the company stated. Epic is asking the Australian court to force Apple to end what it calls "unlawful conduct."
"Epic can't return under an illegal payment arrangement with Apple, so unless Apple agrees to adopt lawful payment terms in the interim, we must wait for a Court decision," the company explained.
Fortnite's recent struggles
The game's return comes amid challenges for Epic Games, which laid off over 1,000 employees in March. CEO Tim Sweeney partially attributed the cuts to a "downturn in Fortnite engagement."
Epic's February review revealed that while overall gameplay hours declined year-over-year, hours in third-party titles increased by 4%, indicating Fortnite specifically faced declining player engagement. The company also announced V-Bucks price increases, citing rising operational costs.
Despite these challenges, Epic Games Store generated $1.16 billion in PC player spending last year, while the company's overall revenue reached an estimated $6.21 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortnite back on the Apple App Store?
Yes, Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store in most regions globally, including the UAE, following a years-long legal battle between Epic Games and Apple.
Why was Fortnite removed from the Apple App Store?
Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment option within the game to bypass Apple's 30% in-app purchase fees, violating Apple's terms of service.
Is Fortnite available on the Australian App Store?
No, Fortnite is not yet available on the Australian App Store. Epic Games states this is due to ongoing legal disputes regarding Apple's payment terms in Australia, despite Epic winning a court case there.
Can UAE users download Fortnite on iOS now?
Yes, UAE iOS users can now download and play Fortnite through the Apple App Store after its global return to most regional stores.
What does Epic Games want from Apple?
Epic Games wants Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment methods, ending what it calls 'anticompetitive App Store practices' that force developers to use Apple's payment system exclusively.
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