Fortnite has made a return to iOS after more than four years since Apple removed it from the App Store, but it will only be available in the European Union for now. The game is launching today via a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and through AltStore PAL, another alternative app store. Additionally, Epic Games Store is also launching globally for Android users.
This launch comes after a prolonged legal battle between Epic and Apple, alongside the regulatory changes prompted by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to permit alternative app stores. Epic Games intends to extend its offerings to Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE Store on Android. In a blog post, the company expressed its eagerness to expand access to its games on other stores worldwide.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed enthusiasm about the European DMA law, stating, “Fortnite is finally returning to iOS in Europe.”
However, there is a stipulation: users must update to iOS 17.6 or later to install the Epic Games Store on their iPhones, which contradicts Epic’s FAQ indicating that it should work on iPhones with iOS 17.4 or later.
The timing of Fortnite’s revival coincides with a new Marvel-themed season, potentially enticing EU players back to the game on Apple’s mobile platform. Sweeney believes there will be “absolutely no trouble” updating Fortnite simultaneously around the world. Apart from Fortnite, European iPhone users and global Android users can download Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a mobile version of Fall Guys, marking its debut on mobile.
An Apple spokesperson highlighted that the Digital Markets Act necessitated the enabling of new capabilities for developers in the EU while also addressing user privacy and security concerns.
Currently, the Epic Games Store for mobile includes only three first-party games, but discussions with third-party mobile developers are underway. Epic aims to offer a curated selection of third-party games by December, with plans for self-publishing in early 2025. The company is also committed to extending its offerings on PC, including an 88 percent revenue share for developers, free games for players, and allowing developers to use their payment platforms. Epic targets 100 million additional mobile installations of the Epic Games Store by the end of the year, although complexities in Apple’s third-party installation process could pose challenges.
To thrive in this space, Epic will need developers willing to take on Apple’s fees associated with distributing apps through alternative stores. Developers must pay a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 annually for each install beyond the first million. This fee applies to apps on both third-party stores and the App Store, potentially dissuading successful app developers from diversifying their distribution.
In response to new fees announced by Apple last week, Allison remarked that the increased financial barriers could hinder competition. Despite the challenges, Epic is motivated to persevere, as Fortnite previously generated over $700 million on iOS before its removal. Although the audience for Fortnite may be smaller in the EU-only environment, Epic stands to gain 100 percent of in-app purchase revenues, minus Apple’s fees, allowing the company to absorb costs more effectively.
However, many third-party developers seem hesitant. Allison reported that while discussions with the leading 250 mobile developers are ongoing, nearly all have indicated difficulties with implementing their apps on iOS.
Epic recognizes the considerable work ahead. The company has invested hundreds of millions in its legal struggle against Apple, and although friction remains significant for both players and developers, Allison affirmed that they will continue to fight for progress. “We are confident that over time, we will get these things eradicated,” he stated, expressing hope for a resolution in the near future.