Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store in US

Fortnite has triumphantly returned to Apple's U.S. App Store, reinstating iPhone and iPad access after its prolonged absence.

Epic Games officially announced the comeback through an enthusiastic Twitter post, alerting mobile gamers that the acclaimed battle royale title is available again following a five-year hiatus. While the iOS store page maintains its original design from 2020, it now proudly features the declaration: "Fortnite is back!"

Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It'll show up in Search soon!

Get Fortnite on the App Store in the U.S. ➡️ https://t.co/HQu3pYCXFm pic.twitter.com/w74QPFFkOS

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 20, 2025

Currently, some U.S. Apple users might experience difficulty locating Fortnite via App Store search, though Epic assures resolution is coming "soon." Meanwhile, players can access the reinstated listing directly. European Union residents gain additional options, with availability through both Epic Games Store and AltStore.

This reinstatement concludes major conflict between Epic and Apple that began dramatically in August 2020 when both Apple and Google simultaneously removed Fortnite from their platforms. This occurred after Epic implemented updates featuring discounted V-Bucks pricing alongside direct payment functionality. Epic had framed these changes as resistance against what it labeled "exorbitant" platform fees.

The subsequent legal confrontation spanned years, preventing official Fortnite distribution to millions who previously accessed it through Apple and Google stores. Resolution came in April when Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed Fortnite's planned May return, following favorable rulings from California's U.S. Federal District Court. Though a last-minute Apple obstruction caused brief delay, Fortnite ultimately secures its iOS comeback after half a decade.

Current iOS players enjoy flexible purchasing options - V-Bucks transactions can occur either through Epic Games Store or Apple's in-app systems. Opting for direct purchases like the 2,800 V-Bucks package ($22.99) routes funds entirely to Epic, with buyers receiving $4.60 (20%) credit redeemable across Epic's ecosystem.

For additional Fortnite developments, explore coverage of Epic's controversial Darth Vader AI bot - a Star Wars integration where players discovered methods to elicit explicit responses. This follows yesterday's SAG-AFTRA labor violation filing against Epic.