Fortnite Returns to iOS in US After Long Wait

The wait is finally over for Fortnite fans in the US, as the popular game has made its triumphant return to the iOS App Store. After years of legal wrangling, this marks a significant milestone in the ongoing saga between Epic Games and tech giants Apple and Google. This development potentially signals the end of a contentious battle that began back in 2020 when Epic decided to challenge the status quo by introducing direct in-app purchases, bypassing the App Store and circumventing Apple's 30% transaction fee.

The legal tussle has been a rollercoaster, with both sides experiencing victories and setbacks. However, the dust seems to have settled with Apple and Google emerging as the notable losers. They have been forced to relax their grip on in-app purchase fees, policies regarding external links, and have opened the door to third-party app stores, a major shift from their previous control over mobile gaming ecosystems.

For gamers, the implications of these changes are still unfolding. Developers are increasingly incentivizing purchases made outside official app stores with attractive deals. Meanwhile, platforms like the Epic Games Store continue to offer enticing perks, such as their renowned free game program. The real buzz, however, is happening behind the scenes. The Epic vs. Apple legal battle has disrupted the traditional dominance of Apple and Google over the app store landscape, raising questions about the future of mobile gaming. Will this lead to a new era of diverse app stores, or will it simply adjust the existing framework?

As we ponder the future, why not explore some fantastic games that aren't typically found on mainstream app stores? Check out our feature, Off the AppStore, to discover some great alternative releases.

An Apple a day...