Fortnite is back on Apple's App Store after five years

After a lengthy, multi-year-long legal battle between Apple and Epic, Fortnite is finally back on the US App Store. The game was reinstated on the EU App Store last year, following new laws that forced Apple's hand. 

Why was it removed? 

The popular battle royale was removed in August 2020 after Apple accused Epic of violating store policies and letting players purchase in-game currency directly through them. 

The bone of contention was Apple's 30% fee on transactions made through the App Store, which Epic claimed was unfair. Google didn't take kindly to Epic bypassing their 30% fee either, and removed the title from the Play Store on Android. 

In a partial victory, the game returned to the App Store in the EU region last year, thanks to amendments to the EU Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems. 

Epic has announced it will launch an official Epic Store app for the EU Play Store in 2025. Till then, you can still download the game on Android by sideloading the Epic Store app.   

Is Fortnite available worldwide? 

The game is only available in the US App Store and can be obtained in the EU region through the Epic Store. Similarly, Google allows you to sideload the app through the Epic Store.  

Fortnite's official handle on X mentioned the game will be available on the App Store in the US, and the third-party Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU. It's still unclear when the game will be available worldwide.