After a prolonged legal battle, Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the United States next week. This development follows a significant court ruling that found Apple in violation of antitrust laws, specifically for imposing restrictive practices on app developers. The ruling mandates that Apple must allow developers to direct users to external payment options without imposing additional fees or restrictions.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple began in August 2020 when Epic implemented its own in-app payment system within Fortnite, circumventing Apple’s 30% commission fee. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, leading Epic to file a lawsuit alleging monopolistic behavior. Over the years, the case saw various developments, with a 2021 injunction ordering Apple to allow alternative payment methods. However, Apple introduced a 27% fee on external purchases, which the court later deemed a violation of the injunction.
Court’s Recent Ruling
On April 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple had willfully violated the 2021 injunction by continuing to impose restrictive practices on app developers. The judge criticized Apple for obstructing competition and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to consider possible criminal contempt charges.
Epic’s Response and Proposal
Following the ruling, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision, stating, “NO FEES on web transactions. Game over for the Apple Tax.” He further announced that Fortnite would return to the U.S. iOS App Store next week. Additionally, Sweeney offered a “peace proposal,” suggesting that if Apple extends the court’s friction-free, commission-free framework worldwide, Epic would drop all ongoing and future litigation and bring Fortnite back to the App Store globally.
Apple’s Position
In response to the court’s decision, Apple expressed strong disagreement but stated that it would comply with the order while planning to appeal. The company has yet to comment on Epic’s proposal for a global resolution.
Implications for the App Ecosystem
This ruling marks a significant shift in the dynamics of app store operations, potentially setting a precedent for how platform holders manage in-app purchases and developer relations. Developers may now have more freedom to implement alternative payment methods without facing punitive fees, fostering a more competitive and open app marketplace.
As Fortnite prepares to return to iOS devices in the U.S., the tech industry watches closely to see if Apple will adopt the proposed global changes, which could reshape the landscape of mobile app distribution and monetization.
