Fortnite has made its long-awaited return to iOS, over four years after being removed from the iOS App Store by Apple. However, this launch is currently limited to users in the European Union. The game can now be accessed through a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and the AltStore PAL, another third-party app store. Additionally, the Epic Games Store is launching for Android users globally today.
This comeback follows a protracted legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, along with regulatory shifts resulting from the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates that Apple allow alternate app stores. Epic aims to extend its games onto Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE Store for Android, expressing optimism in a blog post about bringing its games to various global stores.
Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO of Epic Games, expressed his excitement in a press briefing, saying, “Fortnite is finally returning to iOS in Europe,” and he thanked the European DMA law for this opportunity.
There is a stipulation for installing the Epic Games Store: users must have iOS 17.6 or later, according to a pop-up after scanning a QR code on Epic’s website. This contradicts Epic’s FAQ, which states that the store can work on iOS 17.4 or later.
The timing of this launch coincides with a new Marvel-themed season of Fortnite, potentially drawing EU players back to the game on Apple devices. Sweeney assured that Epic plans to update Fortnite simultaneously worldwide. Alongside Fortnite, European iPhone users and global Android users can also download Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a mobile adaptation of Fall Guys from the Epic Games Store.
This marks the first availability of Fall Guys on mobile. According to Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz, the Digital Markets Act has required Apple to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU while ensuring user privacy and security.
Currently, the mobile Epic Games Store features just three of its own games, but the company is discussing collaboration with third-party mobile developers. Epic aims to have a curated selection of third-party titles available in December, with self-publishing expected to debut in early 2025. The company plans to replicate its PC offerings, including an 88 percent revenue share for developers, free games for users, and options for developers to utilize their payment systems. Epic is targeting 100 million new mobile installations of the Epic Games Store by year-end, although the complexity of Apple’s installation process may pose challenges.
To achieve success, Epic needs developers to navigate Apple’s fees for distributing apps outside the App Store. Developers listing apps on a third-party store must pay a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 per year for each installation after the first million, impacting both third-party and App Store installs. Sweeney pointed out that this fee discourages successful game developers from competing with the iOS App Store.
Additionally, Apple recently announced new fees impacting developers. Allison noted that while they would prefer to describe the situation positively, the recent fee changes have made accessing the market more difficult, likening it to building a higher wall with obstacles.
Despite these barriers, Epic believes the effort is worthwhile. Records show that Fortnite generated over $700 million on iOS in the two years before its removal. Although the game will have a smaller reach on an EU-only third-party store, Epic retains all revenue from in-app purchases, circumventing Apple’s standard 30 percent cut. While some revenue will offset Apple’s fees, Epic is financially robust enough to absorb these costs. If regulations and competitive dynamics compel Apple to ease its restrictive policies, Epic could become a leading player in this newly emerging market.
However, many third-party developers remain cautious. Allison disclosed that while Epic is engaging with nearly all of the top 250 mobile developers, nearly all have reported challenges in making it work on iOS.
Epic recognizes the challenges ahead. The company has invested hundreds of millions in its battle against Apple, and Allison admitted that there remains significant friction for players and developers alike. “But our vision for the future is we’re going to keep fighting,” he reaffirmed, expressing confidence that progress will be made over time, though the timeline remains uncertain.