Fortnite is finally making its return to the iOS App Store in the United States next week. After nearly five years off Apple’s platform, this marks a huge moment not only for fans of the battle royale title but also for the wider app developer community.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced the long-awaited Fortnite iOS return in a fiery online post, signaling the end of what many have called the “Apple Tax.” The announcement follows a major legal victory for Epic in its years-long standoff with Apple — and it’s reshaping how apps, payments, and platforms coexist moving forward.

Why Did Fortnite Disappear from the iOS App Store in the First Place?

Back in August 2020, Epic Games made a bold move. They introduced a direct payment option inside Fortnite, letting players bypass Apple’s mandatory 30% commission. Apple swiftly removed the game from the App Store, claiming policy violations.

This sparked the now-famous Epic vs. Apple legal battle, a case that centered on monopolistic practices, developer rights, and consumer choice. Epic filed a lawsuit, launched the #FreeFortnite campaign, and publicly took on one of the most powerful tech companies in the world.

Court Rules in Favor of Epic: Apple Held in Contempt

Fast forward to April 2025, and the legal tides have shifted.

A U.S. federal judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, found Apple in contempt of a 2021 injunction. That injunction had barred Apple from preventing developers from offering alternative payment options. But Apple instead imposed a 27% fee on any out-of-app transactions and added warning screens designed to scare users away from making direct payments.

In her ruling, the judge stated:
“Apple’s response to the Injunction strains credulity… Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anti-competitive option.”

She even accused Apple’s VP of Finance, Alex Roman, of lying under oath — a serious charge that’s now led to the case being referred to criminal prosecutors.

Fortnite iOS Return: A Victory Lap for Tim Sweeney and Epic Games

Soon after the court’s ruling, Tim Sweeney wasted no time declaring victory. In a tweet that quickly went viral, he wrote:
“No fees on web transactions. Game over for the Apple Tax… 4 years, 4 months, 17 days.”

Sweeney also dropped the bombshell that Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the U.S. next week, marking the end of an era — and the beginning of a new one for mobile gaming.

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What Will Fortnite Look Like on iOS This Time?

The Fortnite iOS return isn’t quite a full rewind to pre-2020. While Apple must now allow developers to link out to external payment options, the original goal — letting players pay directly inside the app without Apple’s cut — is still partially off-limits due to the 2021 ruling.

Still, this is a big win for both Epic and players. Going forward, users will be able to:

• Download Fortnite directly from the iOS App Store

• Make purchases using Epic’s external payment system

• Avoid Apple’s controversial 30% commission

That means more freedom, fewer fees, and a more transparent purchasing experience — something mobile gamers have been asking for for years.

A Global Peace Offer?

In a surprising twist, Sweeney also extended what he called a “peace proposal” to Apple:
“If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation.”

This could signal the beginning of a broader reconciliation between the two tech giants — though Apple has stated it intends to appeal the court’s decision, so it’s not over yet.

What This Means for iOS Gamers

For millions of players who’ve been waiting patiently, the Fortnite iOS return is a breath of fresh air. Many switched to consoles or PCs to keep playing, but now they’ll finally be able to jump back into Fortnite from their iPhones and iPads, no workarounds needed.

And for the gaming industry, this sets a major precedent. Apple’s grip on the App Store — and the way developers monetize their work — is officially loosening, at least in the U.S.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Fortnite and Mobile Gaming

The return of Fortnite to the iOS platform is more than just a headline — it’s the result of years of legal battles, advocacy, and user demand. While not every battle is won, Epic Games’ persistence has led to a major change in how digital marketplaces are regulated.

If you’re one of the many fans who’ve missed playing Fortnite on your iPhone, your wait is nearly over. The Fortnite iOS return is real, and it’s happening next week.

Stay tuned — the island is calling.