Fortnite returns to the App Store with a Star Wars collaboration

Epic Games has announced that Fortnite is once again available worldwide in the Apple App Store, with the exception of Australia. The return comes after a years-long legal battle between Epic and Apple over in-app payments, which began in 2020. During that period, Epic Games added alternative payment options to Fortnite to bypass Apple’s 30% commission, which led to the game’s removal from the App Store.

The legal battle with Apple

The legal clash between Epic Games and Apple has been marked by highly public statements from both Epic CEO Tim Sweeney and Apple. In 2020, Epic introduced a payment option that let users pay directly through its own platform, bypassing Apple’s 30% cut. As a result, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.

In the meantime, Epic scored a major legal victory, which helped pave the way for Fortnite’s reintegration into the App Store in the US and Europe. Sweeney describes the development as "the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide" and says progress is being made in the fight against Apple’s alleged monopolistic practices.

Return to the App Store

On May 19, 2026, Epic Games confirmed that Fortnite is once again available in the Apple App Store in nearly all regions. Alongside the return, Sweeney said on social media that Epic will continue its fight against Apple’s dominance. He calls the move a crucial moment in their ongoing push for fair competition in digital marketplaces.

Star Wars collaboration

Beyond the legal battle, Epic has also recently announced a collaboration with Disney to promote the upcoming Star Wars project, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'. In Fortnite, there is now a new in-game screening space where players can watch the first 12 minutes of the film. This 'Mandalorian and Grogu Watch Party Island' is now available in the Discover section of the lobby.

The map is set on the planet Nevarra from the film and series, and includes various activities such as fetch quests and taking down stormtroopers. This shows that Fortnite is going beyond the battle royale experience and continuing to focus on immersive content for players.

The Disney collaboration and the new watch party feature are part of Fortnite’s ongoing evolution as a platform, focused on diversification through partnerships and unique gameplay experiences. With its return to the App Store, Epic Games hopes to strengthen its market position while offering innovative content to its users.

Fortnite’s turbulent journey in this competitive gaming world cannot be separated from the broader changes in the digital storefront ecosystem, and the moves made by companies like Apple and Google are being closely watched by gamers and developers worldwide.