Epic vs Apple lawsuit could bring Fortnite back to iOS

Recent developments in the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit have raised the possibility that Fortnite may make a comeback on iOS. Here’s more on that.

The conflict commenced in August 2020 between Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, and Apple, the tech corporation that created the App Store. By strategically bypassing Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases through the implementation of a direct payment system in Fortnite, Epic Games blatantly contravened the policies of the App Store.

The prompt action taken by Apple was to withdraw Fortnite from the App Store. In response, Epic Games initiated a lawsuit against Apple, alleging monopolistic conduct and antitrust violations. Now after multiple court hearings and developments in the case, where Apple prevailed as well, the US Supreme Court has denied appeals of both sides.

Epic Games / Apple

iOS users have been hoping for Fortnite to return for years now.

As the most recent development, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney wrote on X, “The Supreme Court denied both sides’ appeals of the Epic v. Apple antitrust case. The court battle to open iOS to competing stores and payments is lost in the United States. A sad outcome for all developers.”

Offering an update on games and payments on the App Store, he further said, “Now the District Court’s injunction against Apple’s anti-steering rule is in effect, and developers can include in their apps ‘buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to IAP’.” However shortly after, Apple filed a bad-faith “compliance” plan for the District Court’s injunction.

Despite that several hints through the lawsuit hinted towards a potential comeback for Fortnite on iOS devices. Here’s how.

Fortnite iOS may return following Epic vs. Apple lawsuit outcome

According to Industry Insider Mark Gruman, the European App Store on Apple devices will receive its sideloading feature in a few weeks. This further means that developers would be able to publish apps without a seal of approval from Apple.

Similarly, Epic Games might be able to leverage the sideloading feature and bring back Fortnite soon to iOS devices in the European continent. As for the United States, the legal battle outcome has shown no such possibility as of yet.