Fortnite Returns to iOS in US: A Long-Awaited Comeback

Fortnite has finally made its triumphant return to the iOS App Store, at least in the United States. This marks a significant milestone, potentially signaling the end of a prolonged legal battle that has lasted for years. The ongoing saga, initiated by Epic Games in 2020, has seen Apple and Google emerge as the primary losers in this legal confrontation.

For those who have been following the news, it might seem like every other month we've been hearing about Fortnite's imminent return to iOS. However, this time it's official: Fortnite is back, and there are no strings attached! This development is particularly noteworthy given the years of legal tug-of-war between Epic and Apple.

The legal battle between Epic, Apple, and Google has been well-documented. It all started when Epic introduced external app purchases to Fortnite, bypassing the App Store and sidestepping Apple's 30% commission on transactions. The ensuing legal skirmishes have been intense, with both sides experiencing victories and setbacks. Nevertheless, it's now clear that Apple and Google have borne the brunt of the losses, being forced to abandon several of their fees on in-app purchases, revise policies regarding external links, and open the door to third-party storefronts.

For regular players, the immediate impact of these changes remains uncertain. Many developers have started offering incentives for in-app purchases made outside the official app stores, and third-party platforms like the Epic Games Store have introduced perks such as their renowned free game program.

Behind the scenes, the conversation is buzzing. Apple and Google have long dominated the mobile gaming app store landscape. Yet, the Epic vs Apple legal battle has unmistakably disrupted this control. The pivotal question now is whether this will usher in a new era of app stores or if it will simply be business as usual, albeit with notable alterations.

For those interested in exploring games that aren't typically found on mainstream app stores, check out our feature, "Off the AppStore," to discover some excellent alternative releases.