In a significant development that marks a new chapter in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and Apple, Fortnite is officially returning to the U.S. App Store, according to a recent announcement by Epic Games.

The popular battle royale title, which had been removed from Apple’s iOS marketplace in August 2020 due to a dispute over in-app payment systems, is now set to make its long-awaited comeback. The removal triggered one of the tech industry’s most high-profile legal battles, centering on Apple's App Store policies and its commission structure.

A Long Road Back

The conflict began when Epic Games implemented a direct payment method within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% cut on in-app purchases. Apple swiftly responded by removing the game from the App Store, prompting Epic to file a lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolistic practices. The legal dispute spanned multiple jurisdictions and appeals, with both companies claiming partial victories along the way.

While Apple was initially seen to have the upper hand after courts ruled that it was not a monopoly, the legal pressure and growing global scrutiny over app store practices appear to have shifted the tech giant’s stance.

Epic’s Announcement

In a social media post on Tuesday, Epic Games confirmed that Fortnite will once again be available on Apple’s U.S. App Store, though the company has not provided an exact date. The announcement did not specify whether the game would be reinstated through a standard App Store listing or via Epic’s own game store, which is also reportedly under review for iOS deployment following changes in Apple’s developer policies.

"Fortnite is coming back to iOS in the U.S.," Epic stated, adding that they’re "excited to welcome back millions of mobile players." The company also emphasized that the new version will comply with Apple’s current guidelines, though it is unclear whether those guidelines have changed to accommodate the return.

Industry Impact

The return of Fortnite is more than just the comeback of a hit game — it’s a signal of evolving dynamics in mobile app distribution. The U.S. market has remained a critical battlefield, and Apple’s approach to third-party marketplaces and developer freedoms continues to face regulatory scrutiny.

Earlier this year, Apple began allowing third-party app stores in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. While similar changes have not been mandated in the U.S., legal and market pressures appear to be nudging the company toward more flexible policies.

What This Means for Gamers

For millions of mobile Fortnite fans, the announcement brings relief and excitement. Since its removal, players had been locked out of the full experience on iOS, relying on workarounds like cloud gaming services. With the return, users can expect to enjoy native performance and regular updates — and possibly access Epic’s broader game ecosystem directly through its own launcher, if permitted.

Looking Ahead

The re-entry of Fortnite into the U.S. App Store could set the stage for broader changes in how Apple manages third-party developers and digital marketplaces. As regulatory and competitive pressures continue to mount, industry watchers will be paying close attention to how Apple responds — and whether other developers will follow Epic’s lead.

For now, Fortnite’s return is a win for fans and a moment of vindication for Epic Games, which has long maintained that its fight was not just for itself, but for all developers seeking fair access to mobile platforms.