Fortnite has officially returned to Apple's App Store for U.S. iPhone and iPad users after a prolonged absence.
Epic Games announced the news enthusiastically via X/Twitter, informing mobile gamers they can finally resume playing the iconic battle royale game following a five-year hiatus. While the iOS store mirror mirrors its original 2020 version, it now prominently features the declaration: "Fortnite is back!"
Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPad... 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 through App Store searches, though Epic confirms this situation will resolve "soon." Meanwhile, the game's revived store page remains accessible through direct links. European Union players gain additional installation options via the Epic Games Store and AltStore.
This development concludes most of the contentious saga between Epic and Apple that began in August 2020. The conflict emerged when Apple and Google simultaneously removed Fortnite from their platforms after Epic introduced an update featuring discounted V-Bucks and a direct payment system. Epic defended its actions by criticizing Apple and Google's "exorbitant" platform fees.
The subsequent legal battle spanned years, preventing millions of mobile players from accessing Fortnite through official channels. Resolution came in April when Epic CEO Tim Sweeney announced Fortnite's impending return to iOS following a California district court ruling. After overcoming final delays caused by Apple's continued resistance, the game has now officially reappeared on iOS devices.
Mobile players downloading Fortnite on Apple devices now encounter expanded purchasing options: V-Bucks can be acquired either through the Epic Games Store or via standard in-app purchases. Choosing Epic's direct payment method offers player incentives – for instance, purchasing the $22.99 (2,800 V-Bucks) package through Epic returns $4.60 (20%) as credit for future Epic purchases.
For additional Fortnite developments, explore Epic's controversial Darth Vader AI bot integration. This Star Wars crossover made headlines when players manipulated the AI into inappropriate responses. The situation escalated yesterday when SAG-AFTRA filed unfair labor charges against Epic regarding the AI implementation.
