HIGHLIGHTS

A US court found Apple in breach of a previous injunction mandating support for alternative payment systems.

Fortnite boasted over 116 million iOS users before it was banned in 2020.

Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney announced the game’s return with a simple message: “We back fam.”

After a lengthy hiatus of more than five years, Epic Games’ wildly popular title, Fortnite, has officially returned to the Apple App Store in the United States. This resurgence follows a significant legal victory for the game developer that has shifted the dynamics of its ongoing battle with Apple. For those unfamiliar with the backstory, this dispute erupted in 2020 when Epic Games took issue with Apple’s App Store policies, particularly focusing on the hefty 30 percent commission charged on in-app purchases.

The conflict reached a climax when Fortnite was ultimately removed from the platform, which cut off access for over 100 million iOS users. However, the game is once again available for download on the US App Store. Notably, the title had previously been re-released on both Android and iOS devices in the European Union, showcasing Epic Games’ resilience and determination to expand its reach despite regulatory challenges.

READ: Epic Games wins legal battle against Apple: iOS Fortnite relaunch confirmed?

What Was the US Federal Court Ruling?

The timing of Fortnite’s return closely follows a pivotal federal court ruling on April 30, which determined that Apple had indeed violated an injunction set forth in a previous judgment. The adjudicating judge concluded that Apple had failed to adhere to a 2021 ruling that required the tech giant to permit alternative payment systems and foster competition within its App Store. Furthermore, the ruling called for federal prosecutors to investigate Apple for possible criminal contempt, intensifying the scrutiny directed at the company.

Fortnite Is Back on iPhones in the US:

Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm the game’s relaunch, sharing a straightforward message: “We back fam.” The brevity of his post belies the significance of this moment for both the company and its loyal player base.

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has captivated millions with its dynamic battle royale gameplay. When the game was unceremoniously removed from the Apple App Store, it had amassed an impressive user base of over 116 million on iOS. The game’s vibrancy and continuous innovation have kept players engaged, making its return a highly anticipated event among fans.

Currently, Apple has announced its intention to appeal the recent ruling, indicating its steadfast resolve to maintain control over its App Store operations. Nevertheless, for the time being, the company has committed to complying with the court’s directives, which marks a significant shift in the ongoing legal saga.

As Epic Games furthers its push for a more equitable gaming ecosystem, it remains to be seen how Apple will adapt to these legal pressures. The return of Fortnite not only reignites the conversation around app store policies but also raises broader questions about the balance of power in the digital marketplace. Regardless of the challenges ahead, Epic Games’ triumph represents a significant moment in the ongoing battle for fairness in the tech industry.