Apple's App Store Policy Shift: Fortnite's Return Signals Billion-Dollar Savings for Developers
Apple has made a significant change to its mobile app policies, which could save developers billions in commission fees. This comes after a long-standing dispute with Epic Games over App Store rules, culminating in a legal victory for the game developer.
The saga began in 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple's 30% commission fee. Apple promptly removed Fortnite from the App Store, sparking a legal battle.
In 2021, a federal judge ruled in favor of Epic Games, finding that Apple violated California's Unfair Competition Law. The judge ordered Apple to allow apps to include links and buttons directing users to alternative payment methods outside the App Store.
However, Apple's compliance with this ruling has been contentious. In April 2025, Apple was found in civil contempt for failing to properly adhere to the court's injunction. Despite this, Apple chose to restore Fortnite to the App Store, resolving the dispute with Epic Games.
The ruling reshapes mobile app policies, potentially saving developers billions in Apple commission fees. While the exact details of Apple's compliance are still being worked out, the restoration of Fortnite signals a significant shift in the tech giant's approach to app distribution on iOS devices.
