fortnite Will Return to iOS in Europe as Apple Plans to Allow Third-Party App Stores on iPhone

Fortnite Set to Make a Comeback on iOS in Europe: Epic Games and Apple’s Shifting Landscape

Great news for Fortnite fans in Europe! Epic Games announced on January 25 that Fortnite is making a return to iOS, marking the end of a four-year wait for iPhone users. This development comes in light of Apple’s move to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), forcing the tech giant to open iOS to sideloaded apps and third-party app stores. The deadline for these changes is set for March 7, prompting Apple to work on adjustments to its App Store.

Epic Games Store’s official announcement assured users that Fortnite would be reintroduced to iOS in Europe this year. The popular battle royale game is expected to be accessible through the Epic Games Store for iOS, although no specific launch date was provided in the initial post.

In a follow-up statement, Epic Games emphasized its commitment to navigating the regulatory timeline and indicated ongoing legal battles with Apple, stating, “Stay tuned for details as we figure out the regulatory timeline. We’ll continue to argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed discontent with Apple’s implementation of DMA regulations, labeling it “malicious compliance.” Sweeney accused Apple of imposing “junk fees on downloads and new Apple taxes on payments they don’t process” while maintaining a monopoly. He argued against allowing a monopoly to dictate which companies can compete with it, pointing out the agreements Apple seeks from third-party app stores.

The journey of Fortnite on iOS has been tumultuous, starting with its removal from the App Store in 2020 after Apple banned Epic for encouraging third-party in-app payments. Epic Games responded with an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, which recently faced a setback when the US Supreme Court declined to hear the dispute, favoring the tech giant.

Despite the positive news of Fortnite’s return, concerns loom for Epic Games due to its history with Apple. With Apple still maintaining oversight into third-party apps, there remains the possibility of Fortnite facing restrictions again. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the gaming community eagerly awaits further updates on the Fortnite saga on iOS.