Fortnite makes its way back to iOS devices around the globe, with the exception of Australia, as Epic readies for a "final battle" regarding App Store fees

The global availability of Fortnite on Apple's App Store has resumed, though it remains inaccessible in Australia. This development occurs as legal expectations rise that American courts will compel Apple to disclose its commission structures.

Epic Games announced this reinstatement after Apple reported to the U.S. Supreme Court that international regulators are monitoring the case closely to determine Apple's potential commission rates for substantial non-U.S. markets.

According to Epic, once cost structures are transparent, international authorities will not allow what it describes as "Apple's excessive charges."

This legal conflict, beginning in 2020, traces back to Apple's removal of Fortnite from its platform, alleging a circumvention of its fees. More details are available in the legal coverage of Epic vs. Apple.

In Australia, Fortnite's iOS absence persists despite Epic's partial court victory, which declared several of Apple's developer terms illegal. For more information, refer to Epic's win in the Australian court case.

Epic insists Fortnite's Australian return is hindered by what it deems an unlawful payment arrangement with Apple. The company plans to hold the launch until judicial decisions are final, or until Apple adjusts its payment policies accordingly.

The firm promised to uphold its challenge against Apple's App Store practices, specifically targeting the exclusion of alternate app stores and payment competition. Epic emphasizes progress made internationally, citing regulatory actions in Japan, the EU, and the UK, and urged regulators for stricter enforcement to facilitate a competitive mobile app environment.

Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, commented, "Fortnite's return to the Apple App Store marks a pivotal moment as we approach the final stage of our court battle against Apple. For years, Apple has manipulated iOS features and fees by region, negotiated regulatory positions covertly, and stalled the judicial process."

"We are at a key point in the fight against the App Store's dominance. The goal is developer and consumer freedom on a global scale, achieved by restoring competitive conditions in digital marketplaces and payment solutions."

Recently, the Epic Games Store expanded to Japan, aligning with the new Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The service was also introduced to iOS users in the EU in September 2024, and the following relaunch in the U.S. occurred after a court ruled against Apple’s ability to charge fees on app purchases conducted outside of its store.