Fortnite Mobile Makes Historic Return to iOS Devices

The wait is finally over, and the gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Fortnite Mobile makes a historic return to iOS devices in the US. This development comes after a long and arduous legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, which had resulted in the game being absent from the App Store for nearly five years. The tide has turned, and Fortnite is set to make a grand comeback to American iPhones and iPads.

The journey to this moment has been long and winding, filled with twists and turns. In 2020, Epic Games took Apple to court over in-app purchases, sparking a lawsuit that would grow into one of the biggest legal battles in gaming. The initial rulings did not go in Epic’s favor, but the company persevered, and the tide eventually turned. A recent US court ruling found Apple in contempt for violating a 2021 injunction, determining that the tech giant had unfairly restricted third-party payment systems and external links, violating antitrust rules.

The court ordered Apple to comply immediately, paving the way for Fortnite’s return to the App Store. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media on May 1, 2025, to reiterate the company’s stance, stating, “We will return Fortnite to the US iOS App Store next week.” This announcement sent suprisewaves of excitement through the gaming community, with fans and players eagerly anticipating the game’s return.

The return of Fortnite Mobile to iOS in the US is not just a win for casual players; it’s a major shift for the Fortnite esports tournaments ecosystem. Competitive mobile players in North America have been locked out of iOS events for nearly five years, forcing many to switch platforms or drop out of the scene entirely. Now, with mobile play back on the table, tournament participation is expected to rise across all tiers. This could also impact future FNCS events, community tournaments, and global qualifiers.

The US has historically produced some of the best Fortnite players, from legends like Bugha to rising stars in the mobile arena. The reintroduction of a major platform like iOS could revive many competitive careers and shift the global rankings once again. As Sweeney noted, if Apple applies the court-ordered policies globally, Epic will drop all outstanding lawsuits and bring Fortnite back worldwide. So fans in other regions, such as Asia and Oceania, may see Fortnite on iOS soon too.

For now, though, US Fortnite fans and its esports scene have something to celebrate. Fortnite Mobile is coming back, and it’s a momentous occasion. The game’s return to the App Store and Google Play Store is a significant development, not just for the gaming community but also for platform openness across mobile gaming. As the gaming world waits with bated breath, one thing is certain: the return of Fortnite Mobile to iOS devices is a victory for gamers everywhere.

The impact of this development cannot be overstated. Fortnite’s return to iOS in the US is a major coup for Epic Games, which has been fighting for years to get the game back on the platform. The company’s persistence and determination have paid off, and the gaming community is richer for it. As Fortnite makes its way back to iOS devices in the US, one thing is clear: this is a momentous occasion that will have far-reaching consequences for the gaming world.

Fortnite Mobile’s return to iOS devices in the US is also significant for Android users, who will have a more straightforward way to play the game later this year, as it will be coming back to the Google Play Store. The game has been playable on Android via the Epic Games Launcher, but this development will make it more accessible to a wider audience.

The return of Fortnite Mobile to iOS devices in the US marks a new chapter in the game’s history, one that is filled with promise and possibility. As the gaming world waits with anticipation, one thing is certain: Fortnite’s return is a victory for gamers everywhere, and it’s a moment that will be remembered for years to come.