Fortnite returns to App Stores outside of Australia, Apple vs. Epic lawsuit reaches its final stages.



On May 19, 2026, Epic Games announced that Fortnite had returned to the App Stores worldwide.

As the final battle approaches, Fortnite returns to App Stores worldwide - Epic Games
https://www.epicgames.com/site/news/fortnite-is-back-on-the-app-store-around-the-world-as-the-final-battle-approaches

Epic Games' 'Fortnite' returns to App Stores worldwide | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/epic-games-fortnite-returns-app-stores-worldwide-2026-05-19/

Fortnite returns to iOS worldwide, excluding Australia, as Epic prepares for 'final battle' over App Store fees | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fortnite-returns-to-ios-worldwide-excluding-australia-as-epic-prepares-for-final-battle-over-app-store-fees

Epic Games is a US-based game development company funded by China's Tencent. In 2020, Epic Games disliked the fact that Apple was collecting a 30% commission on in-app purchases, so it announced 'EPIC Direct Payment,' which allows users to purchase in-game currency directly from Epic Games. Apple removed the Fortnite app from the App Store, claiming that this payment method violated its terms of service. In response, Epic Games sued Apple.

Epic Games, the developer of 'Fortnite,' sues Apple - GIGAZINE



In September 2021, a ruling was issued stating that 'Apple should allow options that bypass its payment system and enable app developers to direct users to those payment options.' In other words, the ruling required Apple to allow external payment links.

In the lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games, a court ruling ordered the App Store to accept payment methods other than Apple's, but some are calling it a victory for Apple - GIGAZINE



Following this ruling, Apple began allowing external payment links in the App Store. However, they also charge a 27% fee for external payments and make it difficult for users to use them by displaying warning screens.

Apple finally allows 'links to external payment systems' in iPhone apps, but a fee will be charged - GIGAZINE



In response, Epic Games criticized Apple's implementation of external payment links as an 'evasion of court orders' and argued that Apple's testimony in court constituted contempt of court.

In the Epic Games trial, the court found that Apple gave false testimony, raising the possibility of contempt of court charges - GIGAZINE



In light of these developments, the Supreme Court is proceeding with the case focusing on issues such as 'whether the contempt of court charge against Apple is justified,' 'whether the court can determine the commission rates that Apple imposes on third-party companies,' and 'whether the order applies to all developers other than Epic Games.'

Epic Games had previously relaunched the Fortnite app on the US App Store in May 2025.

Fortnite returns to the App Store after 5 years - GIGAZINE



On May 19, 2026, Epic Games announced that it would be able to reinstate the Fortnite app on App Stores worldwide, excluding Australia. Epic Games explained the decision by stating, 'We have reinstated the distribution of Fortnite on App Stores worldwide after Apple told the U.S. Supreme Court that regulators around the world are watching the outcome of the case to determine the commission rates that Apple may charge on eligible purchases in major markets outside of the United States.'

However, as of the time of writing, the Fortnite app is not available on the Australian App Store. This is because, although Epic Games partially won a lawsuit in Australia, which found that 'many of Apple's developer terms of service are illegal,' Apple continues to operate the Australian App Store under the old terms of service. Epic Games has stated that the return of the iOS version of the Fortnite app in Australia is 'being hindered by an illegal payment agreement with Apple,' and has explained that 'unless Apple agrees to adopt legal payment terms, Epic Games will have to wait for a court decision.'

Epic Games also stated, 'We will continue to challenge Apple's anti-competitive App Store practices, such as the exclusion of alternative app stores and the suppression of competition in payments. There is growing movement around the world to address these practices, with regulators in Japan, the European Union, and the UK enacting legislation. However, Apple has often circumvented the law through clever warnings, fees, and harsh requirements. Now is the time for regulators to truly enforce the law so that developers and consumers around the world can benefit from an open and fair mobile app ecosystem,' once again criticizing Apple.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney explained the reason for the legal battle with Apple, stating, 'Fortnite has returned to Apple's App Store as the Epic-Apple legal battle enters its final stage. For years, Apple has deliberately delayed the pursuit of justice by fragmenting iOS features and fees by region and secretly taking a negotiating position with regulators.'




Furthermore, at the end of March 2026, Epic Games explained that 'the decline in Fortnite engagement that began in 2025 has resulted in expenses far exceeding revenue, and significant (workforce) reductions have become necessary to maintain the company's finances,' and announced that it would lay off more than 1,000 employees.

Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has laid off over 1,000 people - GIGAZINE



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in Software,   Smartphone,   Game, Posted by logu_ii