Fortnite Makes Global Comeback on App Store, Australia Left Out
Fortnite has officially returned to the App Store worldwide, with Australia being the notable exception. Epic Games stated that this comeback is fueled by confidence that global governments will not permit Apple's "junk fees" once the company reveals its cost structures. The battle for Fortnite's presence on iOS began when the game was removed from the App Store in 2020 for breaching Apple’s policies by implementing its own payment system. Following a lengthy legal struggle, regulatory changes prompted Apple to adjust its terms, paving the way for Fortnite’s gradual return to iOS in select regions. After nearly five years of absence, Fortnite re-entered the US App Store in 2025 and quickly climbed to the top of download charts.
The global re-launch comes shortly after Fortnite's reappearance on Google Play. Although the game had been accessible through alternative Android app stores, it was missing from the Play Store for over five years, finally making its return on March 19, 2026. While Fortnite is now available in most major app stores, Epic Games continues to contest its absence from the Australian App Store. In a partial victory last summer, Epic won an antitrust case against Apple in Australia, allowing Fortnite to be offered through the Epic Games Store, but the game remains unavailable for download via the App Store due to what Epic describes as "unlawful" terms enforced by Apple. Throughout this legal battle, Epic has spent over $100 million in legal fees and is currently awaiting a court ruling in Australia.
Original source
PocketGamer.biz
