Apple reopens App Store worldwide

Epic Games said on May 19 that Fortnite had returned to Apple’s App Store “around the world,” ending a multiyear absence from iPhone and iPad in most markets as its legal fight with Apple continues. Epic said Australia was the exception. Apple did not issue a matching announcement on Fortnite’s return, but the game was listed again in multiple regions and Epic tied the move to the latest phase of its dispute over App Store fees and payment rules. (apple.com) Apple published a separate App Store defense on May 20, saying the store stopped more than $2.2 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions in 2025 and rejected more than 2 million app submissions. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) The company also said it removed more than 5,000 apps from the Kids category for violating rules aimed at protecting children. ### Why is Fortnite back now if the Apple-Epic fight is still going? Epic Games said the return followed Apple’s filing to the U.S. Supreme Court that “regulators around the world are watching this case” to determine what commission rates Apple may charge in major markets. Epic said that meant Apple knew courts would require more transparency on App Store fees. (epicgames.com) May 19 marked Epic’s latest attempt to frame the dispute as unresolved. In its statement, Epic said the “final battle” was approaching and repeated its criticism of Apple’s fees on digital purchases. Reports from MacRumors, 9to5Mac and other outlets said Fortnite was back in every country except Australia. (apple.com) ### What numbers is Apple using to defend the App Store? Apple said on May 20 that it has prevented more than $11.2 billion in fraudulent transactions over the past six years, including the $2.2 billion figure for 2025 alone. The company said its review systems rejected over 2 million app submissions last year and shut down malicious or deceptive activity across payments, ratings and developer accounts. (epicgames.com) The Kids category was one of Apple’s clearest examples. Apple said it removed more than 5,000 apps from that section in 2025 for breaking rules that require stronger standards around privacy, content and safety for younger users. (epicgames.com) ### What is happening in India? The Delhi High Court said Apple must cooperate with the Competition Commission of India’s investigation into App Store practices, while stopping the regulator from issuing a final order before July 15. The court rejected Apple’s attempt to pause the case entirely, according to reports citing the ruling. (apple.com) Reuters was cited by MacRumors as saying the case concerns Apple’s conduct in the functioning of the App Store in India. The immediate effect is procedural: the investigation continues, Apple must provide cooperation, and any final competition order is delayed until mid-July. (apple.com) ### What does this change for developers and users right now? Fortnite’s return gives iPhone and iPad users in most markets a visible sign that Apple’s distribution rules are under pressure, even though the broader legal and regulatory disputes remain active. Epic is still challenging Apple’s policies on commissions, third-party stores and alternative payments, according to reports on the relaunch. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) Apple’s position remains that tighter control reduces fraud and protects users. Epic’s position remains that those same controls restrict competition and raise costs for developers. Those arguments are now playing out at the same time in court filings, public statements and regulatory proceedings in India and elsewhere. (macrumors.com) ### What comes next? July 15 is the next named date in the India case, when the pause on a final CCI order is due to expire unless the court extends it. Apple’s next major public platform event is WWDC, scheduled for June 8-12, where the company will present new developer tools and software updates against the backdrop of the renewed App Store fight. (business-standard.com) (economictimes.indiatimes.com) (apple.com)