Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store After 5-Year Absence

Epic Games' highly popular multiplayer shooting game, Fortnite, has made a triumphant return to the U.S. Apple App Store after nearly five years. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple, which has been raging since 2020. The core of the conflict revolves around Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases, a policy that Epic Games has long argued is anti-competitive and stifles innovation.

Fortnite was initially removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic Games updated the game to bypass Apple's payment system, opting instead to accept payments directly. This move was seen as a direct challenge to Apple's control over in-app purchases and led to a protracted legal battle. The dispute escalated further when a federal judge ruled in April that Apple had violated a court order by not allowing more competition in its App Store. The judge's decision also noted that Apple's failure to comply with the court order could result in a criminal investigation for contempt of court.

In a significant turn of events, a federal judge ordered Apple to make several changes to its App Store policies, including prohibiting the company from collecting any commission on purchases made outside of the App Store. This ruling paved the way for Fortnite's return to the App Store, as Epic Games submitted the game for review on May 9. The review process, known as App Review, involves Apple employees ensuring that the application complies with the company's guidelines and functions correctly. Despite Epic Games' submission, Apple delayed the approval process, leading to further legal action from Epic Games. A judge subsequently ordered Apple to either explain the delay or reach a resolution with Epic Games regarding the game's status.

Apple has since appealed the latest court order and is seeking a stay to reverse the changes it has made to its App Store policies. The ongoing legal battle highlights the broader debate over app store policies and the need for greater transparency and competition in the digital marketplace. Epic Games' victory in this dispute underscores the company's commitment to advocating for fairer app store policies and its resilience in the face of legal challenges. The return of Fortnite to the App Store is a testament to Epic Games' perseverance and a significant win for the video game industry, as it sets a precedent for future disputes over app store commissions and policies.