Apple removed Fortnite from the iOS App Store back in August 2020. After a long and glorious legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, Fortnite is finally back in the App Store after four years. However, it is only available in the EU or European Union, and players who wish to play Fortnite need to get the Epic Games Store platform on their phones to play the game. Here are all the details regarding Fortnite’s return to mobile.
Why Was Fortnite Removed from the Apple Store?
The issue started when Epic Games added its own payment system to Fortnite, creating a loophole to avoid Apple’s 30% cut from in-game item transactions or microtransactions. Apple removed Fortnite from its store because of this, and Epic Games retaliated with a lawsuit.
In their long legal battle, Epic Games claimed that Apple and other tech giants, such as Google and even Steam, had anti-competition systems. They have accused Apple of introducing poor-quality UI experiences regarding the installation process and many more.
In the end, Apple won, but the judge ordered them to give developers more freedom to help users pay for digital goods. This isn’t the last time we’ll see Epic Games and Apple duke it out. So, why is Fortnite suddenly in the iOS App Store?
Related: How to Get Doctor Doom in Fortnite
Fortnite Returns to the iOS App Store in the EU
In March 2024, an EU law forced Apple to allow alternative stores in the EU. Epic Games has been pushing for its own platform to help users access and purchase from the store more seamlessly. Since the law is now in effect, Epic Games immediately returned Fortnite to all EU devices.
Downloading Fortnite can be a bit daunting at first because it isn’t from the App Store. You must use the Safari browser and download the Epic Games Store Marketplace, which acts as an “App Store” but exclusively for all Epic Games. You must pass some verification checks from Apple, and your device must be iOS 17.6 or higher.
Once installed, open the Epic Games Store and look for all the games you want to play, including Fortnite. If you have trouble getting to this step, go to the settings and tap the banner that says “Allow Marketplace From Epic Games.”
Install Fortnite and open the game!
