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Fortnite Returns to App Store Worldwide Except Australia as Epic v Apple Nears End

The resumption signals that Epic believes the legal momentum has shifted decisively, using the threat of global regulatory scrutiny to pressure Apple into transparency on its fee structure.

Reporting from 4 sources: 4Gamer.net, GameBusiness.jp, Inside, Game Spark.

Fortnite Returns to App Store Worldwide Except Australia as Epic v Apple Nears End

Epic Games resumed distribution of Fortnite on the Apple App Store in all countries except Australia on May 19, 2026, marking a major turn in the long-running legal battle between the two companies. Fortnite was removed from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic introduced its own payment system, violating Apple's guidelines. A 2021 U.S. District Court ruling found Apple's restrictions on directing users to external payments illegal, but the conflict continued over fees and compliance. Epic stated that Apple told the U.S. Supreme Court that regulators worldwide are watching the case to determine the commission rate Apple may charge. Epic responded that if Apple is forced to disclose its costs, governments will no longer tolerate what it calls unfair commissions. CEO Tim Sweeney posted on X that this is "the beginning of the end of the worldwide Apple tax." In Australia, where Epic won a lawsuit against Apple but the company continues to enforce contested terms, Fortnite has not resumed distribution. Epic is seeking interim legal payment terms there.

In a post on X, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said the company sees the resumption "as the beginning of the end of the worldwide Apple tax." He added that Epic will "continue to fight until competition is restored in every corner of the digital store and payment markets in every jurisdiction around the world."

Epic Games stated in its announcement that it will continue to challenge what it calls "anti-competitive practices" in the App Store, including banning alternative app stores and hindering competition in payments. The company also claimed that while regulators in Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are enforcing laws, Apple is circumventing them through warning screens, fees, and complex requirements. In a previous interview with Game*Spark, Sweeney touched on Japan's Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act but noted remaining issues with Apple's Core Technology Fee and installation procedures.

In Australia, Epic Games won its lawsuit against Apple and a ruling was made that many of Apple's developer terms were illegal. Apple continues to enforce those terms, so Fortnite distribution has not resumed. Epic Games is seeking interim adoption of legal payment terms and is awaiting a court decision.

Synthesized by Yomimono from the 4 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.

Fortnite Returns to App Store Worldwide Except Australia as Epic v Apple Nears End

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