Fortnite is back on iOS — Epic just beat Apple at its own game

Fortnite is officially back on iOS in the US and Europe. This is the result of a five-year war between Epic Games and Apple, and somehow, the company that started this with a rebellious in-game payment button just brought down one of the most locked-in digital monopolies in tech.

It started with a 30% cut. Epic didn’t want to pay Apple’s app store tax anymore, so they bypassed it with direct in-game payments in Fortnite back in 2020. Apple responded by banning Fortnite from the App Store. That one move triggered a full-blown legal crusade, with Epic openly challenging Apple’s grip over mobile software distribution and pricing.

Back then, most people laughed. Epic was a game company, Apple was a trillion-dollar behemoth. But now? Epic just won a ruling that says Apple’s actions were “in direct defiance” of a court order. Apple’s attempts to dodge fair competition were called out by the US District Court of Northern California as “anticompetitive conduct” with “anticompetitive pricing.” The judge also said Apple’s so-called compromise — allowing outside purchases but slapping a 27% fee on them — “strains credulity.”

That wasn’t just a slap on the wrist. That’s the court calling Apple’s bluff.

"Game over for the Apple Tax," — Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO

After this ruling, Fortnite was finally allowed back on iOS in the US. It had already returned in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, but Apple tried to keep it out of the US longer. When Epic filed to get it back, Apple stalled again. The judge didn’t buy it, telling Apple it could fix the situation “without further briefing or a hearing” and warning the responsible Apple exec they'd have to show up in court if they kept playing games.

Suddenly, Apple agreed. Epic and Apple filed a joint notice confirming they “resolved all issues.”

"We back fam." — Tim Sweeney on social media

This is a victory for more than just Fortnite fans. It's a massive moment for developers, consumers, and anyone who’s ever been boxed in by Apple’s walled garden. Epic wasn’t just fighting for its game — it was trying to open up mobile platforms. Now, Apple is being forced to allow real competition on iOS, at least in some form. That’s not a small win. That’s a systemic shift.

"Thanks to everyone who supported the effort to open up mobile competition and #FreeFortnite from the very beginning. And thanks to all of the folks who initially sided with Apple then later came around to the winning side, supporting app developer rights and consumer rights." — Tim Sweeney

Here’s the key part: Fortnite shot straight to the top of the free games chart on iOS the moment it was allowed back in. Players didn’t forget. They just didn’t have access. Now they do, and they’re jumping in fast. That’s proof Epic never needed Apple — Apple needed Fortnite.

There’s some turbulence on the side, though. Epic is currently in hot water for putting AI-generated Darth Vader in the game, which quickly started spitting out offensive language. SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice charge over the use of AI voice, and Epic already rushed out a fix. That’s a whole different fight — and one Epic probably didn’t want to add this week — but it’s not slowing down the Fortnite comeback.

Image: Bloomberg

Timeline of Epic vs Apple

Here’s the exact chronology of the main actions in the Epic–Apple conflict because Fortnite in-game purchases on iPhone:

What’s wild is how this all played out. Epic got mocked for taking a swing at Apple. Memes, snide headlines, and even some developers said they were biting the hand that feeds. But in the end, Epic didn’t just get Fortnite back — they got the courts to admit Apple was clinging to an anticompetitive model.

This is the kind of win that will echo. Mobile devs now have a real legal precedent behind them. Consumers might finally get more choice. And Apple’s grip on the iOS economy just got cracked.

That’s not just a win. That’s an epic one.