Fortnite has reappeared on Apple's App Store globally, excluding Australia, marking a significant escalation in Epic Games' ongoing dispute with the tech giant over app store fees and policies. This move, announced on May 19, 2026, is framed by Epic CEO Tim Sweeney as "the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide." The relaunch follows Apple's statement to the U.S. Supreme Court, indicating that global regulators are observing the case to determine future commission rates in major markets outside the United States. Epic expresses confidence that Apple will be compelled to disclose its costs, which they believe will lead governments to disallow "junk fees."
A Global Push Against App Store Policies
Epic Games stated its intent to "continue to challenge Apple’s anticompetitive App Store practices of banning alternative app stores and competition in payments." This sentiment echoes previous legal challenges, particularly a significant court ruling last year that paved the way for Fortnite's return to the U.S. and European app stores, though Apple had initially blocked its full reinstatement. The exclusion of Australia is attributed to what Epic terms an "illegal payment arrangement" in that region.
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"We see this as the beginning of the end of the Apple Tax worldwide."— Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO
The company is also highlighting regulatory scrutiny concerning Apple's practices in jurisdictions like Japan, the EU, and the UK, suggesting a broader, international effort to foster a more open mobile app ecosystem.
Background: The Longstanding Epic v. Apple Feud
The current situation is a continuation of a protracted legal and public relations battle between Epic Games and Apple. The core of the conflict revolves around Apple's alleged monopolistic control over its App Store, specifically its requirement for developers to use Apple's payment system and pay a commission – what Epic decries as the "Apple Tax."
Fortnite was famously removed from the App Store in August 2020 after Epic implemented a direct payment system within the game, circumventing Apple's rules. This triggered a cascade of legal actions and public statements from both companies, with Epic rallying support from other developers and consumers, while Apple defended its platform's security and developer revenue models. Fortnite has since returned to the Google Play store and is available on numerous other platforms including Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
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