Good news for Fortnite fans. The popular video game will soon return to iPhones and iPads in the United States. This comes after a big court decision that said Apple broke rules about how it runs its App Store. Fortnite players might see their game return on Friday, May 9, per statements from Epic Games.
When Epic attempted to let Fortnite players purchase virtual currency through alternative payment methods, Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store as a result. Apple forced Fortnite’s removal from its App Store due to this reason. A judge recently made Apple modify its rules after multiple court battles spanning years.
Why Was Fortnite Removed From iPhones?
A conflict emerged between Apple and Epic Games four years ago regarding financial disputes. Customers who purchase V Bucks through Fortnite’s in-app ecosystem need to give 30% of their spending to Apple. Epic refused to make payments through Apple’s fee system. So, they added a way for players to buy V Bucks directly from Epic instead of through Apple.
Apple did not like this. They removed Fortnite from the App Store the same day. Epic then sued Apple, saying their rules were unfair. The case went to court, and in 2021, a judge said Apple must let apps tell users about cheaper ways to pay outside the App Store. But Apple did not fully follow the order.
How a Judge Forced Apple to Change Its Rules
Earlier this year, the same judge said Apple was still breaking the rules. She said Apple could not stop apps from linking to other payment methods. She also said Apple could not charge fees for payments made outside the App Store. This was a big win for Epic.
After this decision, Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney said Fortnite would come back to iPhones if Apple followed the rules. Apple has now made changes, but only in the US. Even though Apple is still fighting the decision in court, Epic is moving forward.
How Epic Plans to Bring Fortnite Back
Apple banned Epic’s US developer account in 2020, so Epic cannot use it to upload Fortnite. Instead, Epic will use its developer account in Sweden to bring the game back to the US App Store. Sweeney says Apple’s own lawyers told Epic to do this.
Epic says the new version of Fortnite will let players buy V Bucks directly from Epic, avoiding Apple’s fees. Sweeney shared on a podcast that he does not think Apple will block the game this time. “We told Apple what we are doing. They know our plan,” he said.
What This Means for iPhone Users and Gamers
Fortnite’s return is exciting for millions of players who missed the game on iPhones. But it is also a big deal for all app developers. The court’s decision means Apple cannot stop apps from offering cheaper payment options outside the App Store. This could save developers and users money.
Here are some key changes
- Apple cannot charge fees on payments made outside the App Store
- Apps can now tell users about other ways to pay
- Apple cannot use “scare screens” to warn users about external payments
Will This End the Fight Between Apple and Epic?
Epic says it will stop suing Apple in the US once Fortnite is back on the App Store. But Apple is still appealing the court’s decision. This means the fight might not be over completely.
Tim Sweeney says Epic spent over $100 million on legal fees and lost millions more because Fortnite was not on iPhones. Even so, he calls this a win. “When Fortnite returns, our fight in the US is done,” he said.
What Happens Next
Fortnite fans should keep an eye on the App Store this week. If everything goes as planned, the game will be available to download by Friday. For now, Epic is focused on the US, but they hope to bring Fortnite back to other countries too. This story shows how big companies like Apple are being challenged over their control of app stores. With new laws in Europe and other places, Apple might have to make more changes soon. For now, though, Fortnite players can celebrate getting their favorite game back on iPhones.
