Fortnite Returns to Apple’s App Store Worldwide, Except Australia

Epic Games announced on 19 May 2026 that Fortnite is now available on Apple’s App Store in all markets except Australia. The game was removed in August 2020 after Epic added a direct-payment option that bypassed Apple’s 30 % commission. The relaunch follows a U.S. reinstatement in May 2025 and a Google Play return in March 2026.

Fortnite returns globally on the App Store, with one exception

Epic sued Apple in 2020 over mandatory in-app fees and anti-steering rules. After a 2021 trial largely favored Apple, the court deemed the anti-steering provisions unlawful. Apple removed Fortnite in August 2020. In April 2025, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of the injunction, prompting a May 2025 U.S. App Store reinstatement. The game returned to Google Play in March 2026 and was relaunched globally on Apple’s store on 19 May 2026, except Australia. Apple later told the U.S. Supreme Court that regulators worldwide are watching the case to determine future commission rates. Epic cites regulatory momentum in Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom. An Australian court in 2024 ruled many Apple developer terms unlawful, a decision Epic says remains unenforced.

MacRumorsFortnite returns to iOS worldwide, excluding Australia, as Epic prepares for "final battle" over App Store feesFortnite makes its way back to iOS devices around the globe, with the exception of Australia, as Epic readies for a "final battle" regarding App Store feesEpic Signals ‘Final Battle’ With Apple, As It Returns Fortnite the App Store WorldwideFortnite has now relaunched on the App Store worldwide, minus AustraliaFortnite Back On Apple App Store Globally – For Now

Fortnite remains a top mobile title with millions of daily players and heavy V-Buck spending. Epic cut over 1,000 jobs in March 2026 and reported FY 2025 revenue of $6.21 billion; the Epic Games Store generated $1.16 billion in PC sales. The iOS ban contributed to a dip in engagement, prompting the layoffs.

Reuters

Epic said a U.S. federal court will force Apple to reveal its cost structure, adding that “once Apple is forced to show its costs, governments worldwide will not allow Apple junk fees to stand.” The company pledged to “continue to challenge Apple’s anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments.” Judge Rogers’ order required Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options without a revenue share.

MacRumorsSherwood NewsEpic Signals ‘Final Battle’ With Apple, As It Returns Fortnite the App Store WorldwideFortnite returns to iOS worldwide, excluding Australia, as Epic prepares for "final battle" over App Store feesFortnite Back On Apple App Store Globally – For NowFortnite has now relaunched on the App Store worldwide, minus Australia

Apple has not commented. Analysts note Apple is appealing the 2025 injunction and that antitrust issues remain unresolved. Epic says it won the Australian case, yet Fortnite remains blocked there because Apple continues to enforce the disputed terms. The exact commission rates Apple may be required to disclose remain unknown, leaving the financial impact unclear.

MacRumors

• “ Epic CEO Tim Sweeney added: "Fortnite is back on the Apple App Store as we head into the final battle of Epic v Apple in court.” — Tim Sweeney, CEO, Epic Games

Fortnite returns to iOS worldwide, excluding Australia, as Epic prepares for "final battle" over App Store fees

• “Apple knows the U.S. federal court will force it to be transparent about how it charges its App Store fees,” — Epic Games statement

Fortnite has now relaunched on the App Store worldwide, minus Australia

• “We see this as the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide.” — Tim Sweeney, Epic Games

Fortnite Returns to the App Store Worldwide as Epic Fights Apple Tax

• “Epic can’t return under an illegal payment arrangement with Apple, so unless Apple agrees to adopt lawful payment terms in the interim, we must wait for a Court decision.” — Epic Games statement

Fortnite has now relaunched on the App Store worldwide, minus Australia