Fortnite Returns to Apple’s iOS App Store After Nearly Five-Year Ban

Fortnite Returns To Apple’s Ios App Store After Nearly Five Year Ban

Hey Fortnite fans, grab your iPhones and get ready to drop back into the Battle Bus because Fortnite has officially returned to the U.S. iOS App Store! That’s right — after nearly half a decade of being MIA, Epic Games has finally managed to get their mega-hit battle royale back on Apple devices.

The game vanished back in 2020 when Epic cheekily added their own payment system inside Fortnite, skipping Apple’s usual cut. Apple wasn’t having it and booted the game off the App Store. Cue years of legal drama that felt more like a courtroom reality show than a tech battle.

But now, the tides have turned. According to The Verge, a recent court ruling forced Apple’s hand after Epic proved the company was dragging its feet on opening up its App Store rules. Epic submitted Fortnite through a Swedish developer account earlier this month and boom — it’s back, baby!

Players can now download the app on iPhones and iPads in the U.S., with an exciting new Star Wars season featuring fan-faves like Darth Jar Jar and General Grievous. Plus, Epic’s giving a 20% bonus when you use their payment system, making those V-bucks a little sweeter.

So if you’ve been itching to get your build on without needing a console or PC, now’s your chance. Just don’t forget — this comeback is currently U.S. only. Sorry, international players, fingers crossed your turn is next.

As AP News points out, this return is a huge win for Epic and a sign that Apple’s App Store reign might finally be loosening up — at least a bit.