Fortnite Returns to iOS in US After Long Wait

Fortnite has officially made its triumphant return to the iOS App Store in the United States, signaling what may be the final chapter in a prolonged legal battle between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google. After years of anticipation and numerous announcements that Fortnite would soon be available on iOS, the wait is over, and players can now access the game without any hitches, at least for those in the US.

This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga between Epic and Apple, which began in 2020 when Epic introduced external app purchases within Fortnite, bypassing Apple's App Store and its 30% transaction fee. The move sparked a legal battle that has seen its fair share of twists and turns, with both sides experiencing victories and setbacks. However, the ultimate losers appear to be Apple and Google, as they've had to adjust many of their policies, including fees on in-app purchases, restrictions on external links, and allowing third-party storefronts.

For everyday players, the immediate impact of these changes remains uncertain. Developers have been incentivizing in-app purchases outside the app stores with various deals, and third-party platforms like the Epic Games Store have been offering enticing incentives, such as their renowned free game program. Yet, the most significant discussions are happening behind the scenes, where the Epic vs Apple legal battle has challenged the long-standing dominance of Apple and Google over the mobile gaming app store landscape.

The outcome of this battle has opened the door to a potential new era for app stores. It remains to be seen whether this will usher in a golden age of alternative app stores or if things will continue as usual, albeit with notable changes. For those interested in exploring games not found on traditional app stores, be sure to check out our feature, "Off the AppStore," where you can discover some fantastic alternative releases.