It’s official — Fortnite is back on iOS devices after being removed for nearly five years. If you’re a mobile gamer or a fan of Fortnite, this is big news. But what happened? Why was it gone, and what changed now?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🚫 Why Fortnite Was Removed from the App Store
Back in August 2020, Epic Games (the creators of Fortnite) added a direct payment option inside the Fortnite app. This move was made to bypass Apple’s 30% fee on in-app purchases.
Apple didn’t like that.
So, in response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store for violating its policies. This led to a long legal fight between Epic Games and Apple over who controls payments and how much Apple should charge developers.
⚖️ The Legal Battle: Epic vs. Apple
Epic argued that Apple’s App Store rules were unfair and gave Apple too much control. The case went through several courts in the U.S. and Europe. While both sides had wins and losses, the bigger change came from outside the courtroom.
🇪🇺 New App Store Rules in the EU
In 2024, the European Union introduced the Digital Markets Act (DMA) — a new law that forces Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment systems on iPhones and iPads within the EU.
Because of this law, Epic Games is now launching the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU — and Fortnite is coming back with it.
✅ What This Means for Players
If you’re in the EU, you’ll soon be able to download Fortnite again on your iPhone or iPad — not from the App Store, but from the new Epic Games Store.
This means:
- More choices for players
- Lower prices on in-app items (possibly)
- A big step forward for app freedom and competition
🔮 What’s Next?
Fortnite’s return could be the beginning of big changes in the app world. More developers may launch their own stores. Players might get more options and better deals.
For now, it’s a win for gamers, developers, and the idea of a more open mobile ecosystem.
👾 In Short:
- Fortnite was removed in 2020 for breaking Apple’s rules.
- A new EU law now allows other app stores on iPhones.
- Fortnite is returning in the EU through the Epic Games Store.
- It’s a game-changer for mobile apps and digital freedom.