- Fortnite returns to iOS in the US after major court ruling.
- Court finds Apple in contempt for violating 2021 injunction on anticompetitive practices.
- Epic Games Store and Fortnite also previously confirmed for iOS launch in UK and Japan in 2025.
A major win for Epic Games‘ fight against Apple has seen the popular battle royale title Fortnite returning to the iOS App Store in the US next week in May 2025.
After nearly four and a half years of legal back-and-forth, Epic Games has scored a significant victory against Apple in its long-standing antitrust dispute.
Tim Sweeney declares end of “Apple Tax” as court rules against App Store fees
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to Twitter to celebrate the moment, stating that the Northern District of California has ruled Apple in contempt of a 2021 injunction.
“NO FEES on web transactions. Game over for the Apple Tax,” Sweeney posted on X, highlighting that Apple’s 15-30% commission on in-app purchases has now been deemed unlawful in the U.S., just as it has in Europe under the Digital Markets Act.
The court found Apple in “willful violation” of its 2021 injunction, which had been issued to curb Apple’s anticompetitive behaviour, especially its restrictions on steering users to alternative payment systems. According to the ruling, Apple continued to interfere with competition despite clear instructions, and such conduct “will not be tolerated.”
With the US now added, Epic Games had also previously announced that both the Epic Games Store and Fortnite will be launching on iOS in the United Kingdom and Japan in H2 2025. The dispute began in August 2020 when Fortnite was taken down from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
As for the latter, it made a comeback when Epic Games Store was launched in August 2024. Although the launch date isn’t specified, expect the game to be launched somewhere between the 5th to 11th of May.
Read other related stories:
- Epic Games announces withdrawal of Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store
- Fortnite brings Reload Mode featuring classic weapons, locations, and more
- Fortnite Guide: Tips to change your in-game username
- Fortnite and Star Wars announce collaboration to celebrate Star Wars Day 2024
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