### The Expected Comeback of Fortnite to the U.S. App Store: Key Information You Should Know
**Update:** Epic Games has formally submitted Fortnite for assessment to the U.S. App Store, placing the decision of approval squarely with Apple.
Following an extended absence since 2020, the prospect of Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store has sparked considerable enthusiasm among both fans and industry observers. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney recently shared insights on the matter, suggesting that while the game may not launch before Friday, the submission process is currently in progress.
#### A Summary of Fortnite’s Withdrawal
Fortnite was taken down from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic Games implemented a direct payment option for V-Bucks, bypassing Apple’s conventional payment infrastructure. This action was a tactical protest against Apple’s 30% commission on in-app transactions and sparked an intense antitrust struggle between the two entities. The subsequent legal skirmish has attracted significant attention, bringing to light matters concerning market dominance and developer rights in the app industry.
#### Latest Updates in the Legal Dispute
In a notable development, a federal judge recently determined that Apple could no longer stop developers from advertising or linking to alternative payment methods. This verdict also limited Apple’s capacity to enforce a 27% commission on purchases made via external links. In the wake of this ruling, several firms, including Epic Games, Stripe, and Spotify, have started adjusting their business frameworks to capitalize on the revised guidelines.
#### The Path to Reentry
To enable Fortnite’s comeback, Epic Games is leveraging its EU developer account, as Apple had previously deactivated its original U.S. account. Despite this tactical maneuver, the submission process has encountered setbacks, and Sweeney has noted that a midweek launch is now off the table. He has communicated through social media that the development team is working diligently on the update, though exact timelines remain unclear.
“Not Monday or Tuesday,” Sweeney remarked, with further updates implying that even a Thursday release might not be feasible. The excitement continues to grow as fans look forward to the game’s return.
#### The Prospects for Fortnite and the App Store
Although Fortnite’s reintroduction to the App Store is still uncertain, the ramifications of this legal confrontation extend well beyond a single title. The resolution may transform the app marketplace, granting developers greater flexibility and potentially lowering the fees they owe to platforms such as Apple.
As the gaming environment progresses, Fortnite’s comeback might mark a crucial turning point, affecting how developers handle in-app purchases and payment options moving forward.
#### Conclusion
The potential return of Fortnite to the U.S. App Store is a highly awaited occurrence that could significantly impact the app ecosystem. As Epic Games maneuvers through the submission process, both fans and developers are paying close attention, eager to see how this narrative develops. With a possibility of a Friday launch, the gaming community is on high alert, anticipating the chance to immerse themselves once again in the Fortnite universe.
