Fortnite finally returns to iOS later this year

The popular battle royale is making its way back to iOS devices after nearly three and a half years

Image via: Epic Games and Apple

Epic Games and Apple have been having a feud that has lasted over three and a half years now. Their dispute started when Epic Games sued Apple in August 2020. All applications on the Apple app store, including Fortnite, must give a 30% commission for all transactions and in-game purchases carried out through the App Store. Epic Games argued that Apple violated the Sherman Act and that developers must have access to alternatives.

Fortnite was then removed from the App Store. Players that already had the app were stuck in Fortnite Season 2 Chapter 3, with no new updates coming to the game. This resulted in a battle that comprised multiple lawsuits, different claims presented and legal battles. The issue was finally settled when the matter went to the United States Supreme Court.

The court ruled in favour of Apple, stating that they had the right to run their platform as they wished. Epic Games was also asked to pay the technology company over $73 million in legal costs. Epic Games losing this battle meant that Fortnite would not return to the App Store and that Apple users would be stuck in the Fortnite Season 2 Chapter 3 time capsule.

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Epic Games announces Fortnite is returning to the App Store

However, a new regulation regarding the publication of digital applications was passed in the European Union. Sideloading allows publishers to distribute applications on the App Store without getting approval from Apple. Fans thought this could open a pathway for the popular battle royale Fortnite to return to Apple devices.

The official Fortnite Twitter account recently made a post about the situation. The post mentioned that Epic Games would like to return the game to iOS. Hence, later this year in 2024, Fortnite is finally making its way back to iOS devices. The game will not be published on the App Store, but rather, it will be published on Apple devices through the Epic Games store.

Remember Fortnite on iOS?

How bout we bring that back.

Later this year Fortnite will return in Europe on iOS through the @EpicGames Store.
(shoutout DMA – an important new law in the EU making this possible). @Apple, the world is watching. pic.twitter.com/VdHWTe8i1c
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 25, 2024

The tweet explicitly mentioned that this was only possible because of the new rules in the European Union. Lastly, Epic Games also tagged Apple, letting them know that “the world is watching.” Fans were elated to see they could finally enjoy the game on their Apple device. However, it is important to note that the game is only returning in the European Union and not worldwide.