Fortnite could soon be back on the U.S. App Store
Epic Games has resubmitted “Fortnite” for review by Apple, nearly four years after the game was removed from the U.S. App Store due to a breach of contract.
In August 2020, Epic intentionally violated Apple’s App Store policies by allowing players to purchase in-game currency directly, bypassing Apple’s payment system. This led to the game’s removal and sparked a prolonged legal conflict between the two companies.
Recently, Epic is making strides to bring Fortnite back to iOS devices. On Friday, the company announced on X that it has submitted the game for Apple’s review.
We’ve submitted Fortnite to Apple for review so we can launch on the App Store in the U.S.
— Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 9, 2025
The saga began when Epic directed users to buy in-game currency outside the App Store, violating the developer agreement. The court ruling found Epic guilty of the breach, yet also determined that Apple’s anti-steering regulations were not entirely lawful.
Epic’s potential return to the App Store comes after a judge found that Apple had deliberately violated a 2021 anti-steering injunction, which had only been enforced starting in 2024. Apple’s efforts to comply with this ruling were deemed overly aggressive, prompting Epic to file a complaint in early 2025, resulting in the judge’s ruling against Apple.
Although Epic may feel victorious in this instance, the overall conflict has reportedly cost the company over $1 billion.
In response to the recent order, Apple is appealing, asserting its rights to safeguard its business interests and intellectual property. The company has also requested an injunction against the immediate implementation of the mandated changes.