Fortnite Returns to App Store Worldwide as Epic Declares 'Beginning of the End of Apple Tax'

Fortnite has made its return to the App Store, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney calling it "the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide."

Epic's long-running battle to bring Fortnite back to iPhones and Android devices without paying store fees is well-known. The company refuses to pay the standard 30% commission on mobile game revenue, instead pushing players to its own Epic Games Store, bypassing Apple and Google. Sweeney has been fighting this fight since 2020, spending heavily even while Fortnite was banned on iOS. Epic seemed to win last year after a major court ruling, but Apple ultimately blocked the game's return.

Now, Epic has pushed Fortnite back onto iOS, with Sweeney stating the move came after Apple told the U.S. Supreme Court that "regulators around the world are watching this case to determine what commission rate Apple may charge on covered purchases in huge markets outside the United States." Epic expressed confidence that "once Apple is forced to show its costs, governments around the world will not allow Apple junk fees to stand."

Epic Games added in a statement: "We will continue to challenge Apple's anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments. We've seen momentum around the world to address these practices, with regulators passing laws in Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom - but time and time again, Apple has evaded the laws with scare screens, fees and onerous requirements. It's time for regulators to truly enforce the laws so developers and consumers around the world can benefit from an open and fair mobile app ecosystem."

Earlier today, Sweeney tweeted: "Fortnite is back on the Apple App Store as we head into the final battle of Epic v Apple in court. For years, Apple has fragmented iOS features and fees by territory, taking regulatory negotiating positions in secret, and intentionally delaying the pursuit of justice. Apple has now told the Supreme Court, 'Regulators around the world are watching this case to determine what commission rate Apple may charge on covered purchases in huge markets outside the United States.' So we see this as the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide."

He continued: "This is a critical moment in the battle against the App Store empire to win freedom for all developers and consumers, and we'll continue the fight in every jurisdiction worldwide until competition is restored to digital stores and payment markets everywhere."

Interestingly, Fortnite has yet to return to the Australian App Store. Epic said it was waiting for a court order to "bring Apple's unlawful conduct to an end and to make orders that will benefit all app developers and iOS users." The company added: "Epic can't return under an illegal payment arrangement with Apple, so unless Apple agrees to adopt lawful payment terms in the interim, we must wait for a Court decision."

Fortnite's return to iOS comes at a tough time for the once-dominant battle royale. Epic laid off staff in March amid declining interest in Fortnite. Analysts told IGN that fewer players in the veteran battle royale is just one issue, alongside the time and money spent on legal battles with Apple and Google, and funding the Epic Games Store to rival Steam. Meanwhile, Roblox's explosive growth dwarfs engagement in Fortnite's creator-made modes.