Fortnite is finally making a return to iOS devices after years of absence. Epic Games ’ popular battle royale game, which was removed from the App Store in 2020 following a legal dispute with Apple, is set to be available again for iPhone and iPad users. While the exact release date remains unclear, key developments suggest that the return is imminent.
Why was Fortnite removed from iOS?Fortnite was pulled from the Apple App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment method, bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system. This triggered a legal battle between the two tech giants, with Epic arguing against Apple’s control over iOS app distribution and payments.
The dispute led to Epic’s developer account being revoked, effectively preventing Fortnite from being available to iOS users. However, recent legal and regulatory developments in both the U.S. and Europe have opened the door for Fortnite’s return.
What’s the current status?Epic Games has confirmed that the Fortnite app has been submitted to Apple for review. This was announced via the official Fortnite X (formerly Twitter) account on May 1. While Epic’s founder Tim Sweeney suggested that the game would return to iOS “within the week,” a specific launch date has not been shared.
So far, Apple has only approved Epic’s developer account in the European Union, as required by the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Whether Epic’s U.S. developer account receives similar treatment remains to be seen. However, Epic remains optimistic about a full-scale return.
How to download Fortnite on iOS devicesOnce Fortnite is approved and live on the App Store, users can expect to download it like any other app:
Via the App Store: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for "Fortnite," and tap “Get” or the download icon.
Via Epic Games Store (alternative): Epic may also offer the game through its own store app, similar to its model in the EU. This would involve downloading the Epic Games Store app first, followed by Fortnite.
Epic is expected to provide clear instructions at launch, depending on the distribution model approved in the U.S.
Alongside Fortnite’s return, Epic Games has launched a global rewards program. Players using the Epic payment system across supported platforms, including iOS - will receive 20% back on in-game purchases. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Apple’s in-app payment system, which does not offer such incentives.
Why was Fortnite removed from iOS?Fortnite was pulled from the Apple App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games introduced a direct payment method, bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system. This triggered a legal battle between the two tech giants, with Epic arguing against Apple’s control over iOS app distribution and payments.
The dispute led to Epic’s developer account being revoked, effectively preventing Fortnite from being available to iOS users. However, recent legal and regulatory developments in both the U.S. and Europe have opened the door for Fortnite’s return.
What’s the current status?Epic Games has confirmed that the Fortnite app has been submitted to Apple for review. This was announced via the official Fortnite X (formerly Twitter) account on May 1. While Epic’s founder Tim Sweeney suggested that the game would return to iOS “within the week,” a specific launch date has not been shared.
So far, Apple has only approved Epic’s developer account in the European Union, as required by the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Whether Epic’s U.S. developer account receives similar treatment remains to be seen. However, Epic remains optimistic about a full-scale return.
How to download Fortnite on iOS devicesOnce Fortnite is approved and live on the App Store, users can expect to download it like any other app:
Via the App Store: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for "Fortnite," and tap “Get” or the download icon.
Via Epic Games Store (alternative): Epic may also offer the game through its own store app, similar to its model in the EU. This would involve downloading the Epic Games Store app first, followed by Fortnite.
Epic is expected to provide clear instructions at launch, depending on the distribution model approved in the U.S.
Alongside Fortnite’s return, Epic Games has launched a global rewards program. Players using the Epic payment system across supported platforms, including iOS - will receive 20% back on in-game purchases. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Apple’s in-app payment system, which does not offer such incentives.
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