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Fortnite's anticipated return to iPhone is one step closer after US court decision

Fortnite developer Epic Games is prepared to end its ongoing legal battle with Apple after the latter was ordered by a judge to make changes to how it handles fees outside of apps

[Fortnite key art]

Could Fortnite be back on iPhone soon?

Fortnite will see a TV show premiere exclusively within the game tomorrow. It has its own LEGO sets, and has drawn in the likes of Sabrina Carpenter for her digital debut, but Epic Games isn't done there.

The company has long been embroiled in a feud with tech giant Apple over the latter taking a cut of in-app purchases, and that's left the game unable to be played on iPhone or iPad since August 2020.

Now, however, mobile gamers could be closer than ever to getting Fortnite back on their device, as a US Judge finally ordered Apple to cease its 27% commission on iOS purchases through links.

Fortnite boss on iOS return

[Fortnite Loading Screen]

Fortnite's new Star Wars-themed chapter lands tomorrow

Yesterday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers passed down the judgement, which also includes and order for Apple to stop telling users not to use links outside of apps to make purchases.

Developers, including Epic Games, had been sending users to web links to make payments to circumnavigate Apple's fees.

The Judge also ordered Apple to pay Epic's attorney fees, and said that the company had violated a 2021 injunction, even going as far as to accuse VP Alex Roman "outright lied under oath", which could open up Apple to criminal contempt charges.

Fortnite can be played on iPhone and iPad via the Epic Games Mobile Store, which is allowed in the EU as part of the Digital Markets Act.

However, Epic said that if Apple accepts the latest ruling, it can bring Fortnite to iOS as soon as next week.

In a press briefing (transcribed by The Game Business), Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said: Ive been fighting Apple for a long time.

"But Im an iPhone customers. This is an awesome device. I love having it. I dont love the policies that Apple has made with respect to stores, but theres a lot of respect of Epic towards Apples quality of product and focus.

"I hold out hope that theres a way for Apple to get back on the right side of history here. I think this is a great time for Apple to consider doing that.

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