Fortnite has made a triumphant return to the iOS App Store, at least in the United States, marking a significant milestone in a prolonged legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. This development appears to be the final chapter in a saga that began in 2020 when Epic challenged the dominance of Apple and Google's app ecosystems.
For years, we've been hearing rumors and updates about Fortnite's potential return to iOS. Now, it's official and available without any caveats, signifying a major turning point for both Epic and Apple. The long-standing legal tussle between Epic and tech giants Apple and Google has been well-documented. It all started when Epic introduced alternative in-app purchasing options in Fortnite, bypassing Apple's 30% transaction fee.
The legal battle has been tumultuous, with both sides experiencing wins and losses. However, it's now clear that Apple and Google have emerged as the primary losers. They've been forced to revise many of their policies, including fees on in-app purchases, restrictions on external links, and even allowing third-party app stores to operate.
For regular players, the immediate impact remains uncertain. Developers have been incentivizing in-app purchases made outside the traditional app stores with various deals. Platforms like the Epic Games Store have also offered perks, such as their renowned free game program.
Behind the scenes, this development is monumental. Apple and Google have long controlled the mobile gaming app market, but the Epic vs Apple legal battle has disrupted this status quo. The question now is whether this will usher in a new era of app stores or if things will largely remain the same, albeit with some adjustments.
If you're interested in exploring other fantastic releases not found on typical app stores, be sure to check out our feature, "Off the AppStore," to discover some great alternative options.
