Fortnite Returns to iOS in US After Long Wait

Fortnite has made a triumphant return to the iOS App Store in the United States, signaling perhaps the final chapter in a protracted legal battle that has spanned several years. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google, with the latter two emerging as the primary losers in this dispute initiated by Epic back in 2020.

For years, we've been hearing about Fortnite's impending return to iOS, but this time it's official and available without any caveats, at least within the US. This marks a pivotal moment after years of legal tussles between Epic and Apple.

The legal battle began when Epic introduced a payment system within Fortnite that bypassed the App Store, challenging Apple's 30% cut on all transactions. This move set off a series of legal confrontations that saw intermittent victories and setbacks for both parties. Ultimately, Apple and Google have had to adjust their policies significantly, including reducing fees on in-app purchases, allowing links to external payment options, and opening up to third-party app stores.

For regular players, the immediate impact of these changes remains uncertain. Developers have increasingly encouraged in-app purchases made outside the traditional app stores, often sweetening the deal with promotions. Additionally, third-party platforms like the Epic Games Store have introduced enticing offers, including their well-known free game program.

Behind the scenes, the implications are profound. For most of mobile gaming's history, Apple and Google have dominated the app store landscape. However, the Epic vs. Apple legal battle has disrupted this monopoly, paving the way for a potential new era of app stores. The question now is whether this will usher in a golden age of alternative app platforms or if it will merely result in business as usual with minor adjustments.

For those interested in exploring apps and games outside the conventional app stores, check out our feature, "Off the AppStore," to discover some excellent alternative releases.