Five years ago, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and set off a years-long legal battle that has led to sideloading in the E.U., threats in the U.S., and legal threats all over the globe. After a tumultuous few weeks, Apple has apparently relented and approved Fortnite’s return to iPhones and iPads. You can download it through this link.
As we wrote on Tuesday, Apple’s attempt to deny Fortnite’s re-entry into the App Store was met with consternation after Epic appealed to the judge who issued the ruling that forced Apple to allow links to outside payment stores. As such, Fortnite offers its V-Bucks as an in-app purchase or through the Epic Games Store, where you get 20 percent back in rewards.
Foundry
It’s unclear whether Fortnite will stay in the App Store or if the return is a short-lived episode in the ongoing saga. After Epic’s appeal, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered the Apple official “who is personally responsible for ensuring compliance” to appear at the May 27 hearing in a thinly veiled reference to possible contempt of court.
Apple is also appealing the decision that forced it to allow links to external payment stores, so it’s possible Epic could be forced to remove the link to its own store, which would almost certainly start the war all over again. But for now, enjoy your next Battle Royale.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.