After nearly half a decade away, Epic Games’ Fortnite has finally returned to the Apple App Store in the United States. As of Tuesday, players across the country can once again download and enjoy the wildly popular multiplayer shooter on their iPhones and iPads, ending a ban that began in 2020.

This comeback is a significant win for Epic Games, which has been locked in a high-profile battle with Apple for years over App Store policies and control. While Fortnite had already made its way back to the App Store in the European Union last year—following regulatory pressure on Apple—the US market remained closed off to the game until now.

The Battle Between Epic and Apple

The saga began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced a direct payment system within the game, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission fee on in-app purchases. This move triggered a major legal clash between the tech giant and Epic Games, sparking lawsuits, widespread debate about the power of app stores, and discussions about fair competition in digital marketplaces.

For years, Apple stood firm on its App Store rules, which led to Fortnite being unavailable on iOS devices, frustrating millions of loyal fans who were forced to turn to alternative platforms or devices to keep playing.

Fortnite’s Massive Popularity

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has been one of the most popular games globally, famous for its fast-paced “battle royale” format, where 100 players fight to be the last person standing. Its colorful graphics, regular content updates, and collaborations with pop culture icons have made it a cultural phenomenon.

At the time of its removal from the Apple App Store in 2020, Fortnite boasted approximately 116 million users on Apple’s platform alone—showcasing just how big the fallout was from the ban.

What This Return Means for Players

Epic Games announced the return on social media platform X, confirming that Fortnite is also available through the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the European Union, expanding options for players across different regions.

For US players, the return to Apple’s App Store means seamless access to the game without needing to rely on workarounds or other devices. This is especially important as mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, making the iPhone and iPad key platforms for millions of gamers.

The Future of Epic and Apple’s Relationship

While the return signals some easing in the dispute, the broader legal and regulatory battles between Epic Games and Apple are far from over. The issues at stake—including app store fees, developer rights, and platform control—continue to be hot topics in the tech world and could shape how digital marketplaces operate in the future.

For now, players can simply enjoy jumping back into Fortnite on their Apple devices, rekindling a favorite pastime that had been missing for years.

Source: CNN – Epic Games’ Fortnite back up on Apple app store in US after nearly 5 years

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Siege X Unveiled

The next evolution of Rainbow Six Siege was revealed today at the Siege X Showcase. Launching on June 10, 2025, Siege X will introduce Dual Front, an exciting new 6v6 game mode, alongside major core gameplay upgrades such as visual enhancements, an audio overhaul, improved rappel mechanics, and an enhanced player protection system. In addition, Siege X will become free-to-play, allowing more players to experience the game at no cost.

Dual Front: A New 6v6 Mode

Set on an entirely new map called District, Dual Front introduces a new way to play. Two teams of six Operators must attack enemy sectors while defending their own. Players will have access to a curated roster of 35 Operators, rotating twice per season.

Key Features:

• Two Active Objectives: Teams must plant and defend a Sabotage Kit in the enemy sector while preventing their opponents from doing the same.
• Base Capture Victory: The final objective is to sabotage the Base to secure a win.
• Mixed Teams: Attackers and Defenders can now be on the same team, unlocking new strategic possibilities.
• Respawn Mechanics: Players can respawn, allowing for mid-match adaptation and greater tactical depth.
• Neutral Sector Assignments: Special time-limited assignments appear mid-match, rewarding the team that completes them first.

How to Join the Beta

A free Dual Front closed beta is now live until March 19 on PC (Ubisoft Connect), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Players can gain access through Twitch Drops by watching partnered creator streams. You do not need to own Rainbow Six Siege to play the beta.

Siege X Core Improvements

The launch of Siege X brings extensive upgrades to the core 5v5 gameplay, ensuring a more modern and immersive experience. Here’s what’s changing:

Visual & Environmental Enhancements

• Modernized 5v5 maps with new lighting, shadows, and double texture resolution.
• 4K texture download option for PC.
• Revamped destructible materials enhancing environmental interaction.
• New hazard mechanics:
  • Red gas pipes release fire and eventually explode.
  • Fire extinguishers produce thick smoke, stunning nearby players.
  • Metal detectors can now be destroyed or disabled.

Gameplay & Mechanics Upgrades

• Rappel Enhancements: Smoother motion capture allows for horizontal sprinting and movement around corners.
• Audio Overhaul: Reworked sound propagation and reverberation, helping players locate enemy movements more effectively.
• New Communication Wheel: Improved non-verbal callouts for better team coordination.
• Weapon Inspection Feature: Allows players to view weapon cosmetics mid-match.
• New Ranked Pick & Ban System:
  • Simultaneous picks for faster team selection.
  • Side switch adjustments for more balanced strategy.
• New Player Onboarding: Tutorials and skill trainings to help newcomers master the game.

Enhanced Player Protection: Introducing R6 ShieldGuard

Security remains a top priority. Over the past year, Ubisoft has tripled its anti-cheat team, reducing cheat reports by 30%. With Siege X, all anti-cheat initiatives will be unified under R6 ShieldGuard, featuring:

• Live security updates to block cheats without downtime.
• Expanded cheat detection and response time improvements.
• Reputation System enhancements to combat toxicity.

Free Access & Premium Features

Starting Year 10, Season 2, Rainbow Six Siege will be free-to-play.

Free Access Players Get:

• 10 starting Operators, expandable to 26 via progression.
• Game modes: Unranked, Quick Play, and Dual Front.

Premium Upgrade Unlocks:

• Ranked Mode & Siege Cup (after reaching level 50).
• More Operators unlocked instantly.

Existing players keep all unlocked content and receive exclusive veteran rewards for their dedication over the years.

Availability & Platforms

Rainbow Six Siege is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Ubisoft Connect, Steam, and Epic Games. It’s also included in Ubisoft+ Premium.

Stay tuned for more updates as Siege X launches on June 10, 2025!

Source

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