Epic Games Submits Fortnite to U.S. App Store: A New Chapter for iOS Gamers
Gamers searching for "Is Fortnite coming back to the U.S. App Store?" or "Can you download Fortnite on iPhone again?" finally have promising news. Epic Games has officially submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store, marking a potential comeback after its 2020 removal. If approved by Apple, this will be Fortnite’s first appearance on the U.S. App Store in five years. For players eager to jump back into Battle Royale action on their iPhones and iPads, the approval could signal a massive shift not just for Fortnite fans, but for the entire mobile gaming ecosystem.
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Fortnite's Return: Why It Matters
Epic Games’ reentry strategy involves critical changes to its in-app purchase model. Rather than forcing players to buy V-Bucks through Apple's system, Fortnite will now offer external purchase options directly via the web. This new approach complies with recent legal rulings requiring Apple to allow developers to provide alternative payment links, a massive win for developers seeking greater revenue freedom and lower commission fees.
Epic Games' Strategic Workaround Using a Swedish Developer Account
Since Epic Games' original U.S. developer account was banned during the high-profile Apple vs. Epic Games lawsuit in 2020, the company had to get creative. Epic is now using its Swedish developer account, originally created to launch a European Epic Games Store under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), to submit Fortnite for U.S. approval. According to Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, Apple has been made aware of this move, though it remains unclear whether Apple will accept it.
Sweeney hinted that Apple might avoid "braving the geopolitical storm" by blocking Fortnite, especially considering the heavy scrutiny it faces from global regulators over anti-competitive practices. If approved, Epic's workaround could open new doors for companies seeking to bypass regional developer restrictions.
Apple’s Ongoing Legal Battles and Emergency Motions
Despite the potential Fortnite comeback, Apple continues fighting the broader implications of the court's ruling. The company has filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking to pause what it describes as an "extraordinary" decision threatening its business model. Apple argues that being forced to allow external purchase links without collecting commissions compromises critical aspects of its App Store operations.
In parallel, Apple seeks control over how external links appear within apps, requesting that courts allow it to set display standards to avoid confusion among users—a move that would impact developers across categories like gaming, ebooks, and subscription services.
The appeals court has been asked to issue a decision by May 28. Until then, new rules enabling developers to add external purchase links without paying Apple a cut remain active, creating a more competitive landscape for digital transactions on iOS devices.
What’s Next for Fortnite and iOS Gaming?
If Apple greenlights the Fortnite submission, it could drastically reshape the iOS gaming ecosystem. Popular apps like Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon have already taken advantage of external payment links, and Fortnite’s return could accelerate a broader trend toward alternative app monetization models.
Developers, advertisers, and users alike are watching closely, as keywords like "iOS app revenue loss," "Epic Games vs Apple update," and "iPhone Fortnite download 2025" surge in popularity. The decision could not only influence Fortnite's future but set new precedents for mobile game availability, App Store commissions, and digital payment flexibility.
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