In what can only be described as a digital homecoming party with a side of corporate sass, Fortnite has finally made its triumphant return to iOS devices in the United States after a painful four-year exile. The battle royale behemoth, which first graced mobile screens back in 2018, was unceremoniously booted from the App Store in 2020 during the now-infamous feud between Epic Games and Apple over in-app payment systems. Now, as players dust off their iPhones and prepare to drop from the Battle Bus once more, Epic appears to be celebrating with a deliciously petty gesture.

According to renowned leaker HYPEX, the Tart Tycoon skin—an Apple-inspired character with a literal apple for a head—is poised to make its return to Fortnite before the current Galactic Battle season concludes on May 7, 2026. For those who don't remember this cheeky piece of digital satire, the skin was originally released during the 2020 #FreeFortnite campaign, serving as Epic's not-so-subtle jab at Apple during their legal tussle.

The return wasn't without drama, however. Despite the courts ultimately ruling in Epic's favor, Apple seemingly dragged its feet on the reunion tour, ignoring Epic's submission of the Fortnite app and delaying its return in what some players have dubbed "The Final Apple Standoff." It took several additional weeks beyond the initial May announcement for iOS players to finally get their hands back on the building mechanics and zero-build mayhem they'd been missing.

A Free Tournament Opportunity

The digital grapevine suggests that players won't need to shell out V-Bucks for this rare outfit. Instead, Epic plans to offer the Tart Tycoon skin through a free tournament—a move that has veteran players clutching their rare cosmetics in horror.

"It's like finding out your limited-edition sneakers are suddenly being mass-produced," lamented one long-time player on social media. "My digital flex is ruined!"

Indeed, the Tart Tycoon has achieved legendary status as one of Fortnite's rarest skins, having been unavailable since its brief appearance in 2020. The outcry from original owners has been predictable, with many demanding an "OG style" to maintain their exclusive bragging rights.

Epic Games has a history of appeasing early adopters when bringing back rare cosmetics, often adding special styles or features exclusively for those who obtained items during their original release. Given this precedent, it wouldn't be shocking if the developer threw a bone to the OG Tart Tycoon owners.

The Symbolism Behind the Selection

🍎 The choice of the Tart Tycoon skin for this particular moment isn't accidental. By resurrecting this particular character, Epic appears to be delivering a subtle (or perhaps not-so-subtle) reminder of the battle they fought and ultimately won against Apple's App Store policies.

The original mobile version of Fortnite was a revelation when it launched in 2018, despite lacking some features from its console and PC counterparts:

• No Save the World mode

• Initially clunky touch controls

• Reduced graphical fidelity

But players embraced the ability to sneak in a quick match during lunch breaks or bus commutes, and Epic continuously improved the experience over time. The 2020 removal left a massive void in the mobile gaming landscape that has only now been filled.

What Players Can Expect

For those eager to add this rare apple-headed businessman to their locker, keeping an eye on Fortnite's in-game Compete tab will be essential in the coming days. The tournament is rumored to feature before the current Galactic Battle season concludes.

The return of Fortnite to iOS represents more than just a game coming back to a platform—it symbolizes a shifting power dynamic in the digital marketplace. Epic's willingness to fight a years-long legal battle has potentially paved the way for other developers to challenge the status quo of mobile app stores.

As one gaming analyst put it: "Epic didn't just bring Fortnite back to iPhones; they've potentially changed how digital storefronts will operate for years to come. And they're celebrating by handing out apple-headed trolls to everyone. You have to appreciate the commitment to the bit."

Whether you're an iOS player excited to drop back into action, or a collector hoping to snag (or protect) a rare cosmetic, the return of the Tart Tycoon serves as both celebration and reminder of one of gaming's most consequential corporate showdowns.

For now, players across all platforms can once again unite in the ultimate battle royale experience, regardless of their device preference. The Battle Bus awaits—apple-headed businessmen and all.

Looking Forward

With Fortnite's ecosystem now fully restored across all major platforms, Epic can refocus on what they do best: constantly evolving their battle royale experience with mind-bending crossovers, gameplay innovations, and seasonal spectacles.

The Galactic Battle season has already delivered interstellar thrills, but with the iOS return now secured, one can only imagine what Epic has planned for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. Perhaps we'll see more platform-specific celebrations or tournaments designed to welcome back the long-exiled iOS community.

Whatever comes next, one thing is certain: Epic's apple-themed victory lap is a reminder that in the world of Fortnite, even corporate disputes can become fodder for in-game content. Now that's turning lemons into apple-ade.