Ignacy Giżyński
Who would have thought that Fortnite would be back on iOS. Seriously. After nearly five years of dirty laundry between Apple and Epic Games, the battle royale icon is available again in the American App Store. This isn't just news for gamers – it's a moment that could change the look of the mobile app market. But before we launch Victory Royale on the iPhone, it's worth remembering what actually happened.
One click on “buy now” and everything fell apart...
In 2020, Epic decided to say “no” to Apple’s 30% commission and introduced its payment system into Fortnite. The result? Apple didn’t mess around and booted the game from the App Store. This was the beginning of one of the most media-covered tech disputes in recent years. Epic sued Apple for monopolistic practices, and Apple accused Epic of intentionally breaking the rules. Lawsuits, accusations, hashtags – the entire Internet was buzzing about this conflict.
Today? Fortnite is back on the iPhone. First the European Union, now the States. Changes in regulations and Apple’s approach have allowed Epic to return. But that doesn’t yet mean a complete victory – the details of the agreement are unclear, and Apple hasn’t relinquished either its commission or its control.
Did Apple concede? More like taking a sidestep
Experts like Joost van Dreunen from NYU refer to it as a “symbolic defeat for Apple.” But Apple is still Apple – no one there gives up without a fight. Fortnite is back, but not entirely on its own terms. And while Epic may be celebrating, it’s more of another round than the final bell.
In Europe, it was easier – the DMA regulations forced the opening of the iOS system to other app stores. That’s why Fortnite was already available through AltStore or the Epic Games Store back in January. But returning to the main App Store in the USA is a bigger move - it meant a total concession from Apple.
Fortnite is back in your pocket. And I mean literally
Fortnite is no longer just a game. It's part of today's pop culture, with 400 million players and events at a level comparable to Ariana Grande concerts in-game. People can have different opinions about this production, but no one can deny its impact. The return to iOS means you can once again fire up the game while queueing at the post office, on the tram, or lying on the couch – without messing around with Android.
And if Epic really wants to break the dominance of app stores, then it now has the tools to do so. iPhones are once again the board for this game. And Apple? Apple will have to revise some of its rules if it doesn't want more game developers to follow in Fortnite's footsteps.
