Fortnite Makes iOS Comeback, Drops Free Skins to Celebrate

Fortnite is back on iPhones, and it only took five years of legal firepower to get there.

Epic Games has officially re-released its massively popular battle royale game to the Apple App Store in the U.S.

This was only made possible after a drawn-out antitrust battle with the tech giant, as we previously reported. 

Meanwhile, in the EU, iOS players can now download the game through the Epic Games Store and AltStore.

Notably, this comes as a result of the Digital Markets Act forcing more app store competition.

say this five times fast…

FortniteMobile.
FortniteMobile.
FortniteMobile.
FortniteMobile.
FortniteMobile.

📲

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 26, 2025

This latest event serves as the end to a years-long saga that began when Epic added its own payment method in-game back in 2020, intentionally bypassing Apple’s 30% commission.

At the time, Apple swiftly responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store.

The conflict spiraled into one of the most high-profile legal battles in tech, dragging through courtrooms and headlines for years.

A key turning point came when a judge criticized Apple for stalling and stated the company could resolve the issue “without further briefing or a hearing.”

Soon after, both parties filed a joint notice with the court saying all enforcement issues were resolved. Now, Fortnite is finally just a few taps away for iOS users. 

An Epic Celebration

To celebrate the game’s return to iOS, Epic is giving players a free "Burnoff" skin: a red-and-black, motorbike-inspired outfit with flame details.

To claim it, users simply have to log in to Fortnite on mobile, whether on Android or iPhone, before June 17.

Once redeemed, the skin can be used across all Fortnite platforms.

LOGIN TO FORTNITE ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE AND EARN THE FREE BURNOFF SKIN!! 🔥🔥

(spotted by @KAPIX97) #Fortnitepic.twitter.com/NSIw0B0fjs

— Loolo | Fortnite Leaks (@Loolo_WRLD) May 23, 2025

Epic is also offering the "Iridia Vayne" skin for a limited time, but this one involves more in-game tasks.

Both giveaways are part of the game’s ongoing Star Wars-themed season, which is set to end with a major live event on June 7.

Rumors suggest a superhero-themed season might follow, but nothing official has been announced.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Star Wars (@starwars)

For now, the return of Fortnite to iOS represents more than just a win for Epic.

Aside from the restoration of access for millions of mobile players, it also reopens a major channel for brand engagement and in-game promotion.

Our Take: A Win for Marketers, Too?

With Fortnite back on iOS, brands once again have access to one of gaming’s most influential platforms.

Fortnite has hosted massive in-game activations, including: 

• Christmas events with Mariah Carey
• Crossovers with NBA stars
• Collabs with Whataburger, Nike, and Balenciaga

Its return to iOS means expanded reach and renewed marketing potential for companies looking to advertise in a deeply immersive environment.

Fortnite is BACK on the App Store in the U.S. on iPhones and iPads... and on the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the E.U! It’ll show up in Search soon!

Get Fortnite on the App Store in the U.S. ➡️ https://t.co/HQu3pYCXFmpic.twitter.com/w74QPFFkOS

— Fortnite (@Fortnite) May 20, 2025

Observing the evolution of mobile app development, I see Fortnite's iOS comeback as a chance for marketers to connect with the Gen Z and Alpha audience.

According to a Dentsu study in 2023, gaming ads lead in capturing audience attention, making Fortnite a viable ground to get eyes on and word out on a brand, product, or IP. 

And with over 110 million monthly players, the gaming platform becomes a marketer's oyster. 

Similarly, global brands like the WWE saw the potential in gaming marketing.

It recently teamed up with Supercell's Clash of Clans for a supersized crossover.