Fortnite finally makes its long-awaited return to iOS in the US
Where we dropping boys?
- Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store, at least in the US
- It marks perhaps the final end to a years-long legal battle
- Now, Apple and Google stand as the losers in the legal saga Epic kicked off back in 2020
It seems as if every other month, we've had news that Fortnite is coming soon to iOS. But this time we can categorically say that's the case, since this time it's actually officially available, no strings attached! Well, in the US at least, but after years of legal back-and-forth, this marks a major turning point for Epic and Apple.
Most of you probably already know, but Epic and Apple (as well as Google) have been embroiled in an ongoing legal battle for years now. After Epic laid down the gauntlet by introducing outside app purchases to Fortnite, effectively circumventing the App Store and Apple's 30% cut on all transactions.
Since then, the situation has been a bit hectic, with the occasional wins and losses on both sides. However, by now it seems evident Apple and Google have been the biggest losers, having to ditch many of their fees on in-app purchases, policies on outside links, and allowing third-party storefronts.
Right now, what this means for regular players is pretty much in the air. Of course, many developers have been incentivising in-app purchases made outside the app store with deals, and third-party app stores such as the Epic Games Store have offered other goodies, such as their famous free game programme.
However, right now, the big talk is behind the scenes. For most of the history of mobile gaming, Apple and Google have controlled the app store scene. But as slow as it may have been, the Epic vs Apple legal battle has firmly put that to bed. So the only question now is whether this sparks a new golden age of app stores, or business as usual, albeit with some changes.
Speaking of other great releases that aren't available on your typical app store, why not check out our feature, Off the AppStor,e to get started looking through some great alternative releases?
