Fortnite Returns to iPhone: Free Skin Up for Grabs!
The long-running dispute between Epic Games and Apple appears to be over, with both parties reaching an agreement that allows the Epic Games Store, and consequently Fortnite, to return to iOS devices.
The popular battle royale game was removed from Apple devices back in 2020 following Epicâs protest against the companyâs app store fees. This sparked a lengthy legal battle, spanning nearly four years, as both sides attempted to find a mutually agreeable solution. Throughout this period, Epic repeatedly accused Apple of obstructing negotiations and making it unnecessarily difficult to reach a compromise.
Despite the contentious history, Fortnite is now set to return to iPhones and other iOS devices. To mark the occasion, Epic Games is giving away a free skin, dubbed Katalina, to all players. The skin will become available in the item shop once Fortnite is re-released on iOS, and players will have until November 2, 2024, to claim it.
While this marks a victory for Fortnite fans, Epic Games has seemingly chosen to continue its battle with another tech giant. The company has announced the removal of Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store, with plans to launch the Epic Games Store on Samsung devices instead. This echoes the solution Epic implemented with Apple, seeking to bypass the established app store and provide a platform for its own distribution.
The return of Fortnite to iPhone presents a significant moment for both players and the gaming industry. It remains to be seen how this renewed availability will affect the broader mobile gaming landscape, and whether Epicâs ongoing disputes with other tech companies will continue to impact its future.
