Fortnite approved by Apple, returns to U.S. App Store 5 years after removal

Apple approved the Epic Games title Fortnite on Tuesday, returning the first-person shooter game to the App Store in the U.S., five years after its removal. Fortnite was kicked off the App Store in 2020 after Epic updated its game over the web to take payments directly, instead of through Apple's in-app payment mechanism, which takes fees up to 30%. The move angered Apple and kicked off a years-long legal battle. Last month, Epic scored a victory in court, when a judge ruled that Apple wasn't allowed to charge a commission when apps link out for payment, or dictate whether the links look like buttons. Epic said last week that it had submitted Fortnite to the U.S. App Store. To return, Fortnite had to pass App Review, Apple's process in which new apps or updates are reviewed by Apple employees to ensure they work and adhere to the company's guidelines. Apple had dragged out its approval process for the app since May 9, when Epic submitted it to Apple. Last week, Epic filed a legal ch ... Read full article.