Fortnite has triumphantly returned to the U.S. Apple App Store, allowing iPhone and iPad users to dive back into the popular battle royale game. Epic Games announced this exciting news through a celebratory post on X/Twitter, marking the end of a five-year wait for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The Fortnite iOS store page has returned to its former glory, with a refreshed description that proudly declares, "Fortnite is back!"
Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon!
Get Fortnite on the App Store in the U.S. ➡️ https://t.co/HQu3pYCXFm pic.twitter.com/w74QPFFkOS
Currently, some U.S. Apple users might face difficulties finding Fortnite through the App Store's search function, though Epic assures that this issue will be resolved "soon." In the meantime, you can access its revived store page. For users in the E.U., Fortnite is also available for download through the Epic Games Store and AltStore.
The reintroduction of Fortnite to iOS devices marks the conclusion of a tumultuous saga between Epic Games and Apple. The conflict began in August 2020, when both Google and Apple removed Fortnite from their digital stores. This action followed Epic's update that reduced V-Bucks prices and introduced a direct payment system, bypassing the traditional in-app purchase fees imposed by Apple and Google. Epic labeled these fees as "exorbitant."
The ensuing legal battle, which lasted for years, had kept Fortnite off official storefronts, leaving millions of players unable to enjoy the game on their Apple devices. The situation changed in April when Epic CEO Tim Sweeney announced that Fortnite would return to the iOS App Store in early May, following a ruling by a U.S. Federal District Court in California. A brief delay due to continued resistance from Apple has now been overcome, and after five years, Fortnite is finally accessible again on iOS devices.
Players who download Fortnite on their Apple phones or tablets can now choose to purchase V-Bucks either through the Epic Games Store or via in-app purchases. For instance, those opting for the 2,800 V-Bucks pack priced at $22.99 can pay directly to Epic and receive a 20% rebate, equivalent to $4.60, which can be used on other Epic offerings.
For further insights into Fortnite, consider reading about Epic's collaboration with Star Wars, which introduced a Darth Vader AI bot. This feature has not been without its challenges, as players discovered ways to make the bot use inappropriate language. Additionally, the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic.
