Epic Games has officially announced that Fortnite will make its long-awaited return to iOS for players in the United States, following years of intense legal disputes. The excitement among fans has been palpable, with many eagerly anticipating updates about the mobile version of the game.
On May 9, 2025, popular streamer DuckyTheGamer took to X to ask if today would mark the game’s release on iOS in the U.S. To the surprise of many, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded succinctly:
“Possibly”
This exchange sparked renewed interest and speculation about the iOS release, prompting us to delve into what has transpired during this extended process.
Timeline of the Legal Battle Impacting Fortnite on iOS
The saga began in 2020 when Epic Games chose to implement its own payment system to circumvent Apple’s hefty 30% transaction fees. This decision resulted in Fortnite being removed from the App Store, triggering a prolonged legal battle that lasted nearly five years. Finally, in April 2025, the lawsuit reached a resolution, paving the way for Fortnite’s return on iPhone, which generated immense excitement in the gaming community.
Epic Games has teased that Fortnite could appear in the App Store as early as May 2025. Tim Sweeney’s intriguing response to DuckyTheGamer has only intensified the anticipation. Adding to the buzz, an eagle-eyed fan discovered a file name within the Epic Games directory labeled: ++Fortnite+Release-35.00-CL-42225001-IOS. Such hints strongly indicate that the iOS version is on the verge of launch, with expectations for availability in the United States likely around May 9 or May 10, 2025.
Future Prospects for Fortnite on iOS
While the excitement for the U.S. launch builds, details surrounding a global release remain ambiguous. It is worth noting that Fortnite has been available in the European Union since mid-2024. Given this development, a worldwide release seems to be on the horizon, although specific timelines are yet to be confirmed.
As we await further announcements from Epic Games, players are hopeful that the beloved battle royale game will soon resume its place in the mobile gaming landscape, bringing with it all the updated features and innovations that have emerged during its absence.