Epic Games has officially brought its popular game Fortnite back to iOS devices, but only in the European Union (EU), marking a major step in the company's ongoing battle with Apple. This move is made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS devices.
Today the Epic Games Store is available for download on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices worldwide. 📲 We’re launching on iOS devices in the European Union thanks to the Digital Markets Act, but Apple is still blocking all other iOS users outside of Europe… pic.twitter.com/r9o3R2UAAv
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 16, 2024
The Epic Games Store, which launched on iOS in the EU and globally on Android, offers users access to popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Epic Games also plans to expand its store to include third-party games by December. This development follows years of litigation between Epic Games and Apple, sparked by Apple's removal of Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 after Epic bypassed Apple's in-app purchase fees.
Kay Lee
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, praised the DMA for opening up the mobile ecosystem to competition. He expressed hope that this move would give developers and consumers more freedom and choice in the mobile market. While the launch of the Epic Games Store is a major milestone, the battle is far from over, as Epic continues to face challenges from Apple's policies and fees.
With the return of Fortnite to iOS in the EU, Epic Games is looking to regain a foothold on the platform, allowing players to once again enjoy the game without Apple's restrictions.
