Fortnite: Epic Games gives update on iPhone and iPad return

Fortnite hasn't been available on iOS devices for years due to a dispute between Epic Games and Apple, but thanks to EU case law that's about to change again. Now Epic Games has given an update in this regard.

Fortnite fans have been left empty-handed on iOS devices for four long years and can no longer play the long-running battle royale on iPhones and iPads due to the legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple. However, as is well known, the European Union is stepping aside for Epic Games: In the future, the Digital Markets Act will oblige Apple to open up its own closed system to some extent in the local area and thus enable Fortnite to return to iOS platforms.

The background to the dispute between Epic Games and Apple was the fact that Epic Games tried to circumvent Apple's guidelines on in-game currencies. Fortnite was therefore completely removed from the App Store in 2020 and a major dispute arose between the two companies.

Now, in an update via social media, Epic Games reiterates that Fortnite's return to iPhones will happen “fairly soon” in light of the EU's Digital Markets Act. Even better from the developer's perspective: The European Union has now also confirmed that this Digital Markets Act not only applies to iOS on iPhones, but also applies to iPadOS. This also makes the return of online action games on iPads possible; The corresponding iPad release should take place “later this year”.

Epic Games did not initially give a specific date in either case. When Fortnite returns to iPhones soon, a lot will have changed compared to its previous appearance on the platform. Fortnite has now completely changed the map several times and Chapter 5 can now be enjoyed for the first time on iOS with all the content that has been introduced in the meantime. For comparison: When Fortnite was last available on iOS, the game was only in Chapter 2 Season 3.