You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Epic Games won a crucial court battle with Apple, clearing the way for Fortnite’s future return to the iOS App Store in the United States. A California federal judge concluded that Apple violated a 2021 court ruling by limiting developers’ ability to direct customers to alternative payment methods. The ruling, released last week, blasted Apple’s restrictions, including a 27% cost on external payment links that affected developers such as Epic. This decision originates from the 2020 disagreement that resulted in Fortnite’s suspension from the App Store after Epic implemented its own payment method, which avoided Apple’s 30% commission. As a result, Epic swiftly resubmitted Fortnite for App Store certification. CEO Tim Sweeney expressed optimism that the game would return to iPhone users shortly, possibly within weeks, after a nearly five-year absence. The verdict enables developers to refer consumers to external payment methods, potentially making Fortnite more accessible and affordable. However, the game’s revival is not yet confirmed. Epic’s resubmitted app is still being reviewed, and Apple’s approval process may delay or prevent the relaunch. Fortnite iOS fans worried as App Store approval delays relaunch Epic Games’ attempt to reintroduce Fortnite to the US iOS App Store has met a stumbling block, with the game’s resubmission currently pending Apple clearance. According to a post by Fortnite leaker HYPEX, the approval process has taken more than 50 hours, despite Apple’s assertion that half of apps are evaluated within 24 hours and 90% within 48 hours. Fortnite has submitted for App Store approval, which still hangs in the balance. Image by VideoGamer. Epic submitted Fortnite on May 9, 2025, following a court ruling that ordered Apple to allow developers to link to external payment systems without penalty. This was a crucial step toward ending Fortnite’s nearly five-year hiatus from iOS, which began with its 2020 removal after Epic violated Apple’s in-app payment policies. Fans and Epic have both expressed displeasure with the lengthy review process. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney voiced confidence in a quick approval, citing significant regulatory consequences if Apple rejects the app. However, Apple’s relationship with Epic suggests caution. Apple’s continuing appeal of the contempt verdict raises additional concerns, since the firm may use the review process to delay Fortnite’s return. The delay could stretch Fortnite’s iOS relaunch beyond the expected “next week” deadline, frustrating millions of mobile gamers eager to return to the battle royale. While Epic’s Rewards program, which offers a 20% return for utilizing its payment method, tries to entice players upon relaunch, the extended wait may dampen excitement. As the review process drags on, Fortnite’s return to iOS remains in limbo, with no clear relaunch date in sight. Fortnite Platform(s): Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X Genre(s): Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter 9 VideoGamer Related Topics Fortnite Subscribe to our newsletters! By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime. Share