Fortnite applies to Apple's App Store after Epic Games court win

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/09/fortnite-apple-app-store-epic-games.html

Summary

After a partial legal win against Apple, Epic Games has reapplied to have Fortnite reinstated on the Apple App Store, three years after its removal. The game was banned in 2020 when Epic bypassed Apple's in-app purchase system to avoid the 30% commission fee, sparking an antitrust lawsuit. While the court ruled in Apple's favor, it also allowed developers to include external payment links. Fortnite's return signals a potential shift in strategy for Epic, aiming to regain access to Apple's vast user base, while complying with Apple's rules, at least initially.

Full News Report

Here's the news article: **Fortnite Applies to Apple's App Store After Epic Games Court Win** In a move that signals a potential thawing of relations, Epic Games has confirmed that **Fortnite applies** to **Apple's App Store**, seeking reinstatement more than three years after the popular battle royale game was removed. The application comes on the heels of a significant, albeit partial, legal victory for Epic Games in its antitrust battle against **Apple**. The initial expulsion of **Fortnite** from iPhones occurred in August 2020 after Epic Games implemented a direct payment system within the game, circumventing **Apple's** in-**app** purchase system and violating the **App Store**'s terms and conditions. This ignited a legal firestorm that has reverberated throughout the tech industry, challenging the control tech giants exert over their respective app ecosystems. **The Long Road Back: Why Fortnite Was Banned** The conflict began when Epic Games, the creator of the wildly popular game **Fortnite**, intentionally bypassed **Apple's** standard 30% commission on in-**app** purchases. Epic argued that **Apple's** commission structure was anticompetitive and stifled innovation, particularly for developers relying heavily on microtransactions. They implemented a system that directed users to Epic's own website to make purchases, offering a discount as an incentive and directly challenging **Apple's** revenue model. **Apple** responded swiftly and decisively, removing **Fortnite** from the **App Store**, citing a violation of its rules against circumventing its payment system. Epic Games immediately filed an antitrust lawsuit against **Apple**, alleging that the tech giant was abusing its market power and operating a monopoly over the **App Store**. The lawsuit became a high-profile battle, drawing attention from regulators, policymakers, and other developers who shared similar concerns about **Apple's** control over the **app** ecosystem. The court case unfolded over several weeks in 2021, with testimony from key figures at both Epic Games and **Apple**. While the judge ultimately ruled in **Apple's** favor on most counts, finding that the company did not hold a monopoly, she did issue an injunction preventing **Apple** from prohibiting developers from including links to external payment options within their **apps**. This ruling, though limited in scope, was considered a partial victory for Epic and other developers seeking more flexibility in how they monetize their **apps**. **The Significance of Fortnite's Return Application** Epic Games' decision to now **apply** to have **Fortnite** reinstated on **Apple's App Store** is a significant development, representing a potential shift in strategy. While the company has maintained its criticisms of **Apple's** policies, it acknowledges the importance of reaching the massive audience that uses iPhones and iPads. The absence of **Fortnite** from the **App Store** has undoubtedly impacted the game's player base and revenue, particularly given the popularity of mobile gaming. The application suggests that Epic Games is willing to comply with **Apple's** rules, at least for now, to regain access to the platform. This likely means that **Fortnite** will need to utilize **Apple's** in-**app** purchase system and pay the standard 30% commission on transactions made through the **App Store**. However, Epic could still explore alternative monetization methods, such as subscriptions sold outside the **App Store**, that are not subject to **Apple's** fees. The details of the application haven't been made public, so it is unclear exactly how Epic intends to approach the in-**app** purchase model. **Potential Impact on the App Store Ecosystem** The return of **Fortnite** to the **App Store** could have several potential impacts on the broader **app** ecosystem: * **Increased Competition:** The return of a major title like **Fortnite** could intensify competition among **apps**, forcing developers to innovate and improve their offerings to attract and retain users. * **Pressure on Apple's Commission Structure:** While **Fortnite** may be complying with **Apple's** rules for now, the underlying concerns about the 30% commission remain. The ongoing scrutiny of **Apple's App Store** policies from regulators and developers could eventually lead to changes in the commission structure, perhaps through tiered rates or other concessions. * **Validation of Apple's Policies:** **Apple** could view the re-application as a validation of its control over the **App Store** and its rules, strengthening its position in future disputes with developers. * **Increased App Store Revenue:** **Fortnite's** return will generate significant revenue for **Apple** through in-**app** purchases, benefiting the company's overall financial performance. * **Shifting Consumer Behavior:** Consumers will have the ability again to access **Fortnite** seamlessly through the **App Store**, potentially leading to a shift back to using the convenience of one marketplace for all of their **app** needs. **The Future of Fortnite on iOS: What to Expect** The timeline for **Fortnite's** return to the **App Store** remains uncertain. **Apple** will need to review Epic Games' application and ensure that it complies with all of its rules and regulations. The approval process could take several weeks or even months. Once **Fortnite** is back on the **App Store**, it will be interesting to see how Epic Games navigates the challenges of **Apple's** ecosystem. Will they continue to push for changes to **Apple's** policies? Will they explore alternative monetization methods to reduce their reliance on **Apple's** in-**app** purchase system? The return to **Apple's App Store** also marks a significant move by Epic Games in relation to their wider strategy. The game has previously been unavailable via the **App Store** and only accessible via other means, such as cloud gaming, after its removal. **Related Trends: Cloud Gaming and Alternative App Stores** The conflict between Epic Games and **Apple** has highlighted the growing importance of cloud gaming and alternative **app** stores as potential alternatives to traditional **app** distribution platforms. Cloud gaming services allow users to stream games to their devices without the need to download and install them, bypassing the limitations of the **App Store** and Google Play Store. Alternative **app** stores, such as the Amazon **App** Store and the Huawei **App** Gallery, are also gaining traction as developers seek more control over their **app** distribution and monetization. These platforms often offer more favorable terms for developers than **Apple** and Google, potentially attracting developers who are dissatisfied with the dominant **app** store models. **Conclusion: A New Chapter for Fortnite and Apple?** Epic Games' decision to **apply** to have **Fortnite** reinstated on **Apple's App Store** marks a new chapter in the ongoing saga between the two companies. While the underlying tensions regarding **Apple's** **App Store** policies remain, the move suggests a willingness on both sides to find a way forward. The return of **Fortnite** could have significant impacts on the **app** ecosystem, potentially leading to increased competition, renewed pressure on **Apple's** commission structure, and a validation of **Apple's** control over its platform. The situation is still unfolding, and the long-term implications for developers, consumers, and the tech industry as a whole remain to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the debate over the power and control of **app** store ecosystems is far from over, and **Fortnite's** return to **Apple's** **App Store** is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The success of **Fortnite** on **Apple's App Store** now remains in the hands of the **Apple** review team, and subsequently the player base.