Epic Games is preparing to make a bold return to the U.S. iOS App Store by leveraging a developer account based in Sweden. Following years of legal disputes with Apple, the company is now taking advantage of a loophole in Apple’s updated policy that permits third-party app stores within the European Union.
For those unfamiliar, the conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple’s 30% App Store commission by integrating its own payment system into Fortnite. In response, Apple pulled the game from the App Store, sparking a lengthy legal battle. While Epic challenged Apple’s practices, the court mostly upheld Apple’s App Store policies. Additionally, Apple terminated Epic’s developer account, significantly reducing the chances of Fortnite returning to the U.S. App Store until now. That raises the question:
How Fortnite Plans to Return to the U.S. App Store
Epic has revealed its strategy to leverage its EU developer account, based in Sweden, to publish Fortnite and potentially the Epic Games Store on iOS. The interesting part? This could enable U.S. users to access Fortnite via this EU-based path. It’s not just a clever workaround it’s a pointed move against Apple’s strict control over the iOS App Store ecosystem.
Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Epic Games, responded to a post on X stating, “We have conversed with Apple on the topic,” referencing recent changes to Apple’s guidelines. This follows a U.S. court ruling that bars Apple from taking commissions on purchases made outside the App Store. Sweeney also confirmed that Fortnite is expected to return to the U.S. iOS App Store within the next week.
Epic Games believes the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires Apple to allow alternative app marketplaces on iOS. Leveraging this regulation, Epic reintroduced Fortnite to iPhones in Europe via its EU developer account potentially paving the way for a broader global rollout.
The company also confirmed that Fortnite will be launching on iOS in Brazil soon. This bold strategy is both risky and deliberate, as Epic tests the limits of regional laws to challenge Apple’s control. It’s a move that not only pushes legal boundaries but also maintains pressure on Apple in their ongoing dispute over app distribution.
Fans in the U.S. hoping for Fortnite’s return to iOS might finally see it happen—just not in the way anyone expected. Whether this strategy triggers new legal battles or succeeds in restoring Fortnite on iPhones globally, one thing is certain: Epic Games is far from backing down.
What do you think about Epic using an EU developer account to bring Fortnite back to U.S. iPhones and the App Store? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
