Fortnite is back on U.S. iPhones after nearly five years away, marking a major win for Epic Games! 🎮 After a long legal showdown with Apple, the blockbuster game made its triumphant return to the App Store on Tuesday, reigniting excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Epic Games, a U.S.-based studio backed by China's Tencent, had been embroiled in a heated dispute with Apple since 2020. The conflict centered around Epic's claim that Apple’s high commission fees on in-app purchases—up to 30%—violated U.S. antitrust rules. The tide turned when a federal judge ruled on April 30 that Apple had defied a court order meant to foster greater competition in app downloads and payment methods.
Adding to the drama, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers recently questioned why Apple continued to block Fortnite without proper appeals court authorization. Tuesday's statement from Apple confirmed that the dispute had been resolved, paving the way for Fortnite's comeback on iOS devices.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the win on social media with a simple, energetic message: "We back fam." While some analysts suggest that the hard-fought victory may come a bit late to boost Fortnite’s current popularity, it undeniably sets a historic precedent for the app ecosystem. Experts believe this decision could also benefit other popular apps like Spotify and Netflix, and empower independent studios to monetize without hefty commissions.
With Fortnite's return, U.S. players now join millions worldwide in what remains one of the most iconic gaming experiences. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, industry professional, or just looking for the latest scoop, this development reshapes the landscape of in-app economies and digital competition.
Reference(s):
Epic Games' Fortnite returns to U.S. iPhones after nearly 5 years
cgtn.com
