Fortnite returns to iOS in US next week: Everything you need to know
(Courtesy : Epic Games)
Epic Games wins court battle
After nearly five years, Epic Games has finally settled the court matters with Apple and Fortnite is finally making a comeback to iOS in the US next week.
This was confirmed by Epic CEO Tim Sweeney on April 30, 2025, via X, that the game will hit the US iOS App Store during the first week of May 2025.
Let’s check out more details about this whole story and the return of the battle royale on iPhone and iPad.
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Why was Fortnite banned?
In 2020, Apple banned Fortnite on iOS after Epic Games bypassed Apple’s in-app purchase system, avoiding the 15-30% “Apple Tax” on transactions.
This was the reason that sparked a legal battle that concluded on April 28, 2025, when Judge Yvonne Gonzalez ruled against Apple.
According to CNBC, the court determined that Apple VP Alex Roman had “outright lied” about imposing a 27% levy on App Store transactions, resulting in Epic’s tax elimination.
Sweeney praised the decision as a triumph for all app developers, declaring, “The Apple Tax is now history.”
Fortnite has already returned to iOS in Europe thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, and US players can also join in the fun.
Also Read: When will current Fortnite season end?
Epic’s peace proposal to Apple
Sweeney proposed a truce: if Apple extends the court’s “friction-free, tax-free framework” globally, Epic will return Fortnite to the App Store and abandon all legal action on the matter.
While Apple is unlikely to comply, Epic’s victory guarantees Fortnite’s return to iOS in the United States, with the possibility of additional expansion if Apple agrees.
What to expect on iOS?
Fortnite had over 100 million players on iOS before the ban. Now with all the new updates and OG, iOS players will have a lot to catch up.
Epic previously rewarded European iOS returnees with the Katalina Skin for completing tasks, implying that similar incentives await US players.
Reddit posts, such as those from user SandwitchZebra, express joy but caution about potential “fine print” in the verdict.
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a gaming journalist with a soft spot for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a strong understanding of game mechanics, he enjoys exploring what makes games special beyond just the gameplay. Inspired by titles like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh brings his own perspective to gaming stories. When he’s not writing or playing, he can usually be found watching anime or cheering for WWE superstars.