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Fortnite Returns to App Store Globally as Epic-Apple Antitrust Battle Heats Up

9to5Mac •
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Fortnite has officially returned to the App Store worldwide, ending a multi-year absence following Epic Games' legal battle with Apple. The comeback excludes Australia, where Epic claims Apple is violating a court ruling. Epic Games announced the restoration on Monday, marking a significant shift in the ongoing dispute over App Store policies and developer fees.

The reinstatement comes amid Epic's antitrust lawsuit against Apple, which challenges the 30% commission on digital purchases. Tim Sweeney has positioned this as a pivotal moment, arguing that transparency in Apple's fee structure will expose what he calls "junk fees" that regulators won't tolerate. The company believes a favorable ruling will force Apple to allow third-party payment systems without commissions.

Apple's resistance in Australia, where Epic says it continues defying court orders, adds complexity to an already tense situation. This global App Store return represents more than just a game coming back—it's a direct challenge to Apple's control over iOS commerce. The outcome could reshape how developers distribute apps and process payments across billions of devices.