Fortnite's U.S. App Store Return Pushed Back: Epic Aims for Thursday or Friday

Fortnite's Return to the U.S. App Store Delayed

Fortnite, the popular video game developed by Epic Games, is expected to return to the U.S. App Store this week, but it won't be before Thursday or Friday, according to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. The game has been absent from the App Store since 2020 due to a dispute over Apple's in-app purchase policies.

Background of the Dispute

In 2020, Epic Games deliberately violated Apple’s rules by adding a direct payment option for V-Bucks, the in-game currency, which sparked a long-standing antitrust battle. The move was a protest against Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases.

Legal Victory and New Guidelines

Last week, a federal judge ruled that Apple could no longer block developers from linking to or advertising external payment methods. The ruling also prohibited Apple from applying a 27% commission on out-of-app purchases initiated through in-app links. Following this decision, companies like Epic, Stripe, Patreon, and Spotify have started to embrace the new guidelines.

Current Status

To reintroduce Fortnite to the App Store, Epic Games is using its EU developer account after Apple terminated its U.S. account. However, the submission process has yet to complete, delaying the game's return. Sweeney has confirmed that the game will not be available on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, with the exact launch date still uncertain.

Additional Information

Backbone Pro, a gaming controller for mobile devices, is ready for Fortnite's return when it eventually launches.