Fortnite Is Returning to iPhones in the U.S.—Here’s What Happened and Why It Matters

Big news for Fortnite fans: After nearly five years, the popular battle royale game is making its comeback to iPhones in the U.S. Thanks to a major court ruling, Epic Games announced on April 30, 2025, that Fortnite will return to iOS as early as next week. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing clash between Epic and Apple over App Store policies—and it could reshape the future of mobile gaming.

Why Fortnite Was Banned in the First Place

The conflict began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store. The reason? Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple’s payment system by allowing players to purchase V-Bucks directly, avoiding Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. Apple swiftly labeled this a violation of its policies, sparking a legal battle that has lasted years.

Now, a new court order has changed the game. The ruling prevents Apple from forcing developers to pay fees on purchases made outside the App Store. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney wasted no time, announcing via Twitter that Fortnite will return to iOS in the U.S. by early May.

Epic’s Proposal to Apple

Sweeney didn’t stop there. He publicly offered Apple a deal: If Apple agrees to apply the court’s “no-Apple-tax” rules globally, Epic will bring Fortnite back to the App Store worldwide and drop all legal disputes. It’s a bold peace offering, but Apple has yet to respond.

Meanwhile, Epic has already launched Fortnite on iOS in Europe through its own Epic Games Store, leveraging new EU regulations like the Digital Markets Act. The U.S. ruling could pressure Apple to relax its payment policies globally—a move long demanded by companies like Spotify and other developers.

Why This Matters Beyond Fortnite

This isn’t just about one game. The court’s decision challenges Apple’s tight control over app payments, potentially leading to significant changes:

Lower costs for developers, who may no longer need to hand over Apple’s 30% cut.
More choices for gamers, including alternative app stores and direct payment options.
Bigger shifts for Apple, which might have to overhaul its App Store model entirely.

Spotify hailed the ruling as a “victory for developers,” and other companies could follow Epic’s lead. However, Apple isn’t giving up—it plans to appeal, setting the stage for another legal showdown.

What’s Next?

For now, U.S. iPhone users can soon rejoice as Fortnite returns to their devices. But the bigger question remains: Will Apple accept Epic’s offer, or will the battle continue? Either way, this fight is transforming mobile gaming, and the ripple effects will be felt far beyond Fortnite.

Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to drop back into the action. Fortnite’s comeback is just the beginning.