Fortnite Returns to U.S. iPhones After 5 Years

Fortnite will relaunch on the U.S. iOS App Store and iPhones next week following a major court decision, according to Epic CEO Tim Sweeney.

On April 30, a California federal court ruled Apple deliberately violated a court order from the Epic Games v. Apple case that mandated Apple to let developers offer alternative payment options outside apps.

Sweeney tweeted a "peace proposal" to longtime legal adversary Apple: "If Apple implements the court's fee-free framework globally, we'll bring Fortnite back to the App Store worldwide and cease all related litigation."

Earlier this year, IGN reported Sweeney's multi-billion dollar crusade against Apple and Google's app store policies. The Epic CEO framed this as a strategic investment in Fortnite's future, vowing to continue the fight indefinitely.

The dispute stems from Epic's refusal to pay standard 30% platform fees on mobile revenue. Instead, Epic wants to distribute Fortnite through its own mobile store, bypassing Apple and Google's cuts. This conflict led to Fortnite's 2020 iOS ban.

Nearly five years later, the game is poised for a U.S. comeback.

Sweeney celebrated the court ruling on Twitter: "NO FEES on web transactions. The Apple Tax era is ending.

"Apple's 15-30% fees are now invalid in the U.S., just like in Europe under the Digital Markets Act. They're illegal in both regions."

The court referred Apple to federal prosecutors for violating its order. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers stated: "Apple's anti-competitive actions won't be tolerated. This is an injunction, not a negotiation. Willful disobedience has consequences."

The judge specifically cited testimony from Apple VP Alex Roman as containing "misdirection and outright lies" about compliance efforts.

Apple responded: "We strongly disagree and will appeal while complying with the order."

This marks Epic's first major U.S. legal breakthrough after predominantly European victories via the Digital Markets Act.

Last August saw the Epic Games Store launch with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys on EU iPhones and Android globally. However, Epic reports aggressive "scare screens" deter up to 50% of potential mobile users.

The legal battles have taken their toll - Epic laid off 830 employees (16% of staff) in September 2023. Despite this, Sweeney maintains the company is now financially stable, citing record performance for Fortnite and the Epic Games Store.