Fortnite Returns to the Apple App Store: Six-Year Comeback Timeline

Fortnite Is Back on iOS

After six years of removals, lawsuits, and regional workarounds, Fortnite is back on the Apple App Store in most countries. The return caps one of the most famous platform battles in gaming history — and while iPhones can finally download the game directly again, the legal fight with Apple is far from over.

The 2020 Removal

Fortnite was removed from the App Store (and Google Play) in August 2020 after Epic Games deliberately introduced a direct-payment system to bypass Apple's 30% commission. Apple called it a breach of contract; Epic called it an antitrust challenge. The game vanished from iOS overnight, and millions of players lost access to the battle royale on iPhones.

The EU Sideloading Pivot

The breakthrough came through Europe. The EU's Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow sideloading and alternative app stores, and Epic launched the Epic Games Store on iOS in the European Union. Fortnite returned to EU iPhones after a four-year gap — but only through Epic's own storefront, with Apple still refusing a direct App Store listing.

The 2026 Worldwide Return

In 2026 the walls came down further. Fortnite returned to the US App Store around May 20 after a nearly five-year ban, following a court ruling that Apple had violated an injunction tied to Epic's antitrust lawsuit. Brazil followed on July 30 with the launch of the Epic Games Store there, and now the game is back on the App Store in most countries — though Epic continues to criticize Apple's remaining "nine-step process" for access in some regions.

The Numbers

The appetite for Fortnite on iOS never went away. After the global comeback, the game surged past 1 million daily App Store installs for the first time — peaking at 1.2 million on May 30 — and racked up 11.5 million downloads in its first month back.

What Happens Next

With Fortnite accessible on iOS again for most players, cross-platform progression means you can pick up exactly where you left off — Battle Pass, cosmetics, and V-Bucks carry over across every platform. The legal battle continues in the background, but for players the practical impact is simple: iPhones are Fortnite devices again. If you're returning after years away, the fastest way to catch up on the season is a fresh Battle Pass run — and our boosters can drive that grind to level 100 for you.

• your account and V-Bucks carry over across all platforms, including iOS.
• if the store isn't showing in your region yet, sideloading via the EGS remains the iOS path in the EU.