Epic Games has officially submitted Fortnite to Apple for review, signaling a potential return to the U.S. App Store nearly four years after the game was removed. The announcement came via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Epic revealed the long-awaited step forward.
The move follows a lengthy legal conflict between the two tech giants. In August 2020, Epic added a direct payment system to Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission and violating App Store policies. Apple promptly removed the game, triggering a high-profile antitrust lawsuit.
Legal Fallout and Court Rulings
The lawsuit concluded with both companies claiming partial victory. The court ruled Epic had broken its developer agreement, but also found Apple’s anti-steering rules—which prevented developers from informing users about alternative payment options—unlawful.
Although the court issued an injunction against Apple’s anti-steering practices in 2021, Apple delayed compliance until 2024. A judge later found Apple had violated the injunction and ordered immediate changes. In response, Epic submitted Fortnite for review in May 2025, hoping to bring the game back to Apple platforms under the updated rules.
A Costly Battle
Epic’s decision to challenge Apple’s policies has come at a steep price. Reports indicate the fight has cost Epic over $1 billion in lost revenue and legal expenses. Meanwhile, Apple is appealing the court’s latest order, arguing it has the right to defend its App Store model and protect users.
Despite the tension, Epic’s submission marks a potential turning point. If approved, iPhone and iPad users in the U.S. could soon redownload Fortnite and use alternative payment options—a major shift from past restrictions.
