Fortnite's iOS Comeback Hits Eight-Year Download High
Fortnite's recent global return to the iOS App Store has resulted in approximately 3.4 million downloads in its first week, marking the game's fourth-best week for installs since its launch in 2018. This surge in downloads represents the highest weekly total for the game in almost five years, according to estimates from AppMagic. Following a legal battle that led to its removal from the App Store in 2020, Fortnite reappeared globally on May 19, 2026, after being available in select markets, including the US, last year.
The comeback has significantly impacted download numbers in various regions, with France and the UK achieving more than double the US's 151,000 downloads during the same week, totaling 366,000 and 307,000 respectively. Leading the global installs was Saudi Arabia, with 474,000 downloads. The list of regions with the highest downloads includes Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Canada, the United States, and Spain.
Epic Games has indicated that the timing of Fortnite's return coincides with confidence that other governments are unlikely to uphold what they term Apple’s 'junk fees.' This has made Fortnite’s first week back on iOS the most successful seven-day period outside its original launch month, closely approaching its debut week total of 3.7 million downloads and surpassing the second week's 3.1 million.
Historically, Fortnite's peak week occurred in its third week after launch in 2018 with 4.2 million installs. The latest week also saw a dramatic increase in daily downloads, starting from around 19,000 on May 18, 2026, and peaking at 674,000 on May 23rd. This marked an increase of 1,408% in daily downloads, with installs remaining above pre-global relaunch levels, including 445,000 downloads on day seven.
Why it matters
This recent performance is the first time Fortnite surpassed 500,000 daily downloads on iOS since April 15, 2018, with its lifetime peak hitting 764,000 daily downloads on March 18, 2018. Additionally, player spending through the App Store has reached a six-week high, though it remains uncertain if new players are converting into payers or spending through Epic’s web shop.
Original source
PocketGamer.biz
