The conflict started in August 2020 when Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, added a direct payment method to the game’s iOS edition. This method circumvented Apple’s required 30% in-app purchase commission, which was a clear violation of Apple’s App Store guidelines.

Apple swiftly took Fortnite down from the App Store in retaliation. In retaliation, Epic sued Apple, claiming that the company engaged in anti-competitive and monopolistic tactics. The lawsuit swiftly became one of the most well-known tech antitrust disputes of the last few years.

Court Decisions and Legal Battles

Over time, the legal dispute intensified, and significant court decisions had an effect on the app economy. A U.S. federal judge ruled in April 2025 that Apple had violated an earlier injunction, requiring the corporation to give developers greater latitude in providing digital payments. The reinstatement of Fortnite for iOS devices in the United States was made possible by this verdict.

Epic won a legal battle last month when a judge said that Apple could not impose a fee on apps that link out for money or control whether or not those connections resemble buttons. Last week, Epic announced that Fortnite has been added to the US App Store. In order to be allowed to return, Fortnite had to pass Apple’s App Review process, which involves having new apps or updates examined by Apple staff members to make sure they function and follow company policies.

Apple’s Policy Changes and Epic’s Strategic Actions

Epic Games used its Swedish developer account to submit Fortnite for review in reaction to the legal developments, which helped the game get back into the U.S. App Store. At the same time, Apple modified its App Store guidelines to allow developers to refer customers to other payment options in compliance with the court’s orders. 

Nearly five years after its removal, in May 2025, Apple brought Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store as a result of this court ruling. Permission for Epic Games to use other payment methods on the iOS platform is part of the return.

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic, declared the reinstatement to be a significant advancement for fair competition and developer freedom. Fortnite said in an X post that it was now accessible on the US app store, the Epic Games Store, and AltStore in the EU.

Impact on the Industry and Financial Consequences

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, disclosed that the legal battle cost the company more than $100 million and that the game’s removal from iOS resulted in losses of more than $1 billion. Even though the game has returned, experts speculate that its attractiveness among mobile users may have suffered due to its extended absence.

The request for comment from Apple was not immediately answered. The company has consistently stated that its policies safeguard users’ security.

The development on Wednesday is viewed as a win for Epic Games, which has been embroiled in a legal battle with Apple for years.