lipflip – After five years, Fortnite is officially available again on Android devices through the Google Play Store in the United States. Epic Games reached a settlement with Google following a long-running legal dispute. The timing coincides with the release of Fortnite’s season seven update, bringing new content and gameplay features to players.
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Fortnite was removed from Google Play and Apple’s App Store in 2020 after Epic introduced a payment system bypassing the standard 30% commission. This move angered both Apple and Google, prompting them to remove the game and triggering ongoing litigation. Since then, Android users could only access Fortnite through sideloading, which required technical steps that limited mainstream adoption. Epic has announced that players outside the US must still wait for official availability.
The removal and return of Fortnite highlight the growing tension between app developers and platform holders over control and revenue. Google previously lost an appeal in July 2025 against a 2023 verdict declaring the Play Store an illegal monopoly. Epic and Google later agreed to a settlement in early November, with court approval still pending.
With Fortnite’s return to the Play Store, Android users can now download the game safely and easily without relying on third-party sources. This reduces security risks and ensures a smoother experience for millions of players. The settlement allows Epic to distribute Fortnite widely while maintaining flexibility in payment options, signaling a significant shift in how developers interact with major app stores.
Legal Outcomes and the Future of App Store Payments
Fortnite also returned to Apple’s App Store in May 2025 after Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered immediate changes to Apple’s payment policies. Apple appealed and initially lost, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently reversed part of Rogers’ rulings. The court clarified that Apple can charge a commission for purchases outside its own platform while introducing fair limitations.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the ruling confirms the “Apple Tax is dead in the USA.” He emphasized that this decision begins a new era of untaxed, competitive payments for iOS globally. The outcome may reshape revenue models for apps and games across both Android and iOS platforms, encouraging more flexible payment systems.
The resolution of these legal battles marks a turning point for mobile gaming and app marketplaces. Developers gain more freedom in offering alternative payment methods, while players benefit from greater choice and convenience. Fortnite’s Play Store return demonstrates how legal and business negotiations directly impact user experience.
Moving forward, Epic and Google will seek final court approval to fully implement the settlement. Meanwhile, players outside the United States await news on when Fortnite will officially return to their regions. The case sets a notable precedent, potentially influencing future disputes between developers and platform owners over control, fees, and consumer access.