Fortnite returns to iOS in Australia on October 22, 2026, after the Federal Court of Australia ruled against Apple in the Epic Games antitrust case. Justice Jonathan Beach found that Apple broke competition law by limiting app distribution and payment options. Epic announced the return on X, and Apple plans to appeal. The court also ordered Apple to open iOS to third-party app stores and alternative payments by March 1, 2027.
This article covers the return date, the court ruling, the March 2027 changes, and Apple’s response.
Fortnite Returns to iOS in Australia: Date and Details
Epic Games said on X that Fortnite would come back to the Australian App Store on Thursday, October 22. Players in Australia can now download the game straight from the App Store. Before this, they had to go through the Epic Games Store.
The return follows a ruling that Apple violated Australian competition law. The court found that Apple restricted how apps are distributed and how users pay inside them. It also ordered Apple to readmit Fortnite and other Epic apps once Epic sends a written request. Readmission stays subject to App Store rules that match the court’s orders.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney reacted on X after the remedies were issued. He called the outcome a “huge victory for consumers and developers” and said Epic is studying the verdict. He added that more details will follow.
Fortnite fans on iPhone can also join Fortnitemares 2026, which is still running.
Fortnite iOS Australia Timeline
The dispute started in 2020 and has moved through several steps since then.
The Australian case took longer than the others. Epic held Fortnite back in May 2026 because it said it could not return under what it called an illegal payment arrangement.
What Changes on the Australian App Store in March 2027
Most of the court’s remedies take effect on March 1, 2027. Apple can apply for an extension of that deadline. The orders cover users with Australian Apple Accounts.
Here is what Apple must change:
- iOS will be open to third-party app stores.
- Australian users will be able to download apps directly from developers.
- Developers can use alternative payment systems. Apple cannot force them to use Apple’s in-app purchase system.
- Apple cannot block developers from pointing users outside an app to make purchases.
- Apple cannot charge what Epic calls “junk fees” on purchases made in third-party app stores.
The court did not grant Epic’s request for remedies that apply outside Australia. The changes affect the Australian market only.
Apple’s Response and What Happens Next
Apple disagrees with the verdict. The company will seek a stay and appeal the decision. Apple has also said it wants a solution that protects the safe and secure App Store experience.
The case is not over. The Epic Games vs Apple dispute has now run for nearly 6 years, and an appeal could keep it going. Sweeney said in August that the “endgame” of the lawsuit was approaching.
For now, Australian players can install Fortnite from the App Store. Further updates are likely once Apple files its appeal and as the March 2027 deadline gets closer.
Why Fortnite Left the App Store
Apple removed Fortnite in 2020. Epic had added a way to buy V-Bucks that skipped Apple’s in-app purchase fees. Epic then sued Apple and Google in Australia, claiming their fees and rules broke competition and consumer law.
The Federal Court ruled in August 2025 that both companies misused their market power. It rejected claims of unconscionable conduct and consumer law breaches. Two class actions, one against Apple and one against Google, continue.
