Fortnite is making its long-awaited return to iOS, over four years after being removed from the App Store by Apple. However, this comeback is currently restricted to users in the European Union. The game is set to launch today via a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and through AltStore PAL, a third-party app store. Additionally, the Epic Games Store will also be available for Android users globally.
This development follows an extended legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, alongside recent regulatory changes brought about by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates that Apple allow alternative app stores. Epic intends to extend its offerings to Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE Store on Android and has expressed optimism about expanding access to its games worldwide.
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney expressed excitement over the European DMA law, stating, “Fortnite is finally returning to iOS in Europe.”
However, there is a notable requirement: users need to update their devices to iOS 17.6 or later to install the Epic Games Store, despite Epic’s FAQs indicating that iOS 17.4 should suffice.
The launch of Fortnite coincides with a new Marvel-themed season, potentially inspiring EU players to return to Apple’s mobile platform. Sweeney indicated that Epic expects to update Fortnite simultaneously worldwide without issues. Besides Fortnite, users on iOS and Android will also have access to Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a mobile adaptation of Fall Guys.
An Apple spokesperson highlighted the increased opportunities for developers as a result of the DMA, noting efforts to balance user experience with privacy and security.
Currently, the mobile Epic Games Store features only three first-party titles, but the company is engaging with third-party mobile developers to enhance its offerings. Epic aims to provide a curated collection of third-party games by December, with plans for self-publishing capabilities by early 2025. The company also intends to transfer its PC policies to mobile, including its 88 percent revenue share for developers and options for developers to implement their own payment systems. Epic projects to achieve 100 million new mobile installations by the year’s end, although challenges in Apple’s installation process may pose obstacles.
For Epic’s strategy to succeed, developers must be willing to navigate Apple’s fees associated with distributing apps outside the App Store. Each app in a third-party store incurs a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 annually for each installation beyond the first million, applicable to apps on both platforms. Sweeney argues that this fee discourages developers from offering their apps on competing stores.
Moreover, Apple has recently introduced new fees, prompting concerns among developers. Allison remarked that these rising costs create additional barriers for developers.
Despite the challenges ahead, Epic recognizes the potential worth the endeavor presents. Court documents indicated that Fortnite generated over $700 million on iOS in two years before its removal. Although the rekindled iOS version may initially serve a smaller audience, Epic will retain all revenue from in-app purchases, significantly increasing its earnings compared to the previous model which involved paying Apple a 30 percent commission.
Epic remains aware of the hurdles it faces; Allison confirmed the company is in discussions with many of the top mobile developers and has found that while there is enthusiasm regarding Android, the iOS landscape presents significant challenges. Epic has invested significant resources in its battle with Apple and recognizes the road ahead is demanding. However, the company is committed to continuing its efforts for improvement, with hopes for accelerated progress.