Fortnite Returns To Android On Google Play Store, Apple Loses Its Epic Ruling Appeal

After five years away, you can now download Fortnite on your Android phone or tablet directly from the Google Play Store. The game has returned in the US after the title’s developers Epic Games reached a settlement in a long-running legal battle with Google.

Fortnite was removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in 2020 after Epic Games introduced a way for players to buy in-app purchases which cut both companies out of the process.

Epic’s aim was to reduce its pricing for players by avoiding 30% charges it would normally incur from Apple and Google. The move kicked off ongoing legal battles between Epic and each of the companies.

Since then, Android players have been able to sideload the game onto their device, but that’s more complicated than downloading from Google’s official storefront. Those outside the US remain unable to download the game through the Play Store, although the brand says to “stay tuned for news.”

The Epic v. Google case saw both brands agree to settle in early November, although a court approval of that settlement is ongoing. Epic’s latest message said, “We’re continuing to work with Google to seek court approval of our settlement.”

In a post on X, Epic Games said the game returned “following Google’s compliance with the U.S. District Court’s injunction.” Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, first confirmed the game would return to the Play Store in July.

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The brand likely reintroduced the game on Dec. 11 to capitalize on the newly released season seven update to its battle royale.

Soon after announcing the game’s return to Android, Apple’s appeal of a ruling in its own case against Epic Games was announced.

Fortnite returned to the App Store in May after Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Apple needed to immediately change its policies.

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Apple took the case to an appeal, which has now been denied. However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel saw it reverse some of Rogers’ rulings, as reported by Reuters.

The appeal court said Apple should be able to charge a fee on purchases made outside of its own App Store. The panel suggests introducing an “appropriate commission or free limitation” for Apple to claim on any cost incurred for coordinating external links for purchases.

Sweeney celebrated the ruling saying it’s confirmation that the “Apple Tax is dead in the USA.” He also said, “This is the beginning of true, untaxed competition in payments worldwide on iOS.”