Fortnite Could Return to iPhones Any Day Now
After a years-long legal feud between Epic Games and Apple, Fortnite is finally expected to return to iPhones and iPads—with a comeback that could happen as early as May 11. A recent court ruling has shifted the tide in Epic’s favor, reopening the door for the game’s re-entry into the iOS App Store.
Why Fortnite Was Removed From iPhones
Fortnite was originally removed from the Apple App Store in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment system that bypassed Apple’s 30% commission fee.
- This move violated Apple’s App Store policies, resulting in Fortnite’s removal.
- At the time, the iPhone 11 was Apple’s flagship device, and the ban meant millions of iOS users lost access to one of the world’s most popular games.
In 2021, the legal battle escalated as Epic Games sued Apple, accusing it of monopolistic practices. Though Apple largely won that case, the judge ruled that Apple must remove its anti-steering provisions, allowing developers to inform users about third-party payment options.
What Triggered Fortnite’s Return Now?
On May 1, the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that Apple had willfully violated the 2021 injunction by continuing to restrict alternative payment methods and discouraging competition.
- Court documents labeled Apple’s behavior as “in bad faith and anticompetitive.”
- The judge reinforced that Apple must allow apps to direct users to external payment platforms without interference.
- Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney shared the ruling on X (formerly Twitter), declaring the return of Fortnite to iOS imminent.
When Will Fortnite Return to iOS?
Fortnite is projected to return to the iOS App Store in the US by May 11, according to Sweeney.
- In a public post, he wrote: “We will return Fortnite to the US iOS App Store next week.”
- He also proposed a global resolution, stating Epic would end all litigation if Apple applies the court’s developer-friendly framework worldwide.
This could signal the end of a global standoff if Apple agrees to expand compliance beyond the US.
What’s New in Fortnite for iPhone Users?
In celebration of its iOS return, Fortnite is rumored to bring back the Tart Tycoon skin—a parody of Apple first introduced in 2020.
- The skin’s return would be paired with the Tart Tycoon Cup, a limited-time event that adds to the game’s satirical tone.
- This revival mirrors Epic’s continued stance on challenging Apple’s control over app-based revenue streams.
Though Epic has not confirmed other gameplay updates yet, the relaunch is expected to draw significant attention from returning mobile players.
What Happens Next for Epic and Apple?
While Apple won its appeal in 2023, the anti-steering rule from 2021 was upheld. When Epic returned to court in 2025, it argued that Apple had not complied with that part of the ruling.
- The judge agreed, now requiring Apple to immediately follow the original injunction.
- That includes allowing developers to promote third-party payments and avoiding commission fees on those transactions.
- Apple must no longer block apps from guiding users toward external purchasing methods.
This ruling not only restores Fortnite to iOS but also sets a precedent that could reshape how developers monetize across Apple’s ecosystem.
Epic’s Legal Efforts Beyond Apple
Epic Games is also taking similar legal action against Google and Samsung, aiming to dismantle restrictive app store policies on other platforms.
- These lawsuits seek the same outcome: freedom for developers to offer alternative payments and greater transparency with users.
- Success in these cases could dramatically shift the mobile gaming and app store economy across Android devices as well.
