Fortnite has made its long-awaited return to iOS more than four years after being removed from the App Store by Apple, but currently, it is only accessible in the European Union. The game is being launched today via a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and through AltStore PAL, a third-party app store. In tandem, the Epic Games Store is also debuting for Android users around the globe.
This launch follows extensive legal battles between Epic Games and Apple, as well as adjustments mandated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, compelling Apple to permit alternate app stores. Epic intends to extend its games to Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE Store on Android, expressing a desire to expand availability to stores worldwide in a blog post.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed excitement about the European Digital Markets Act, stating, “Fortnite is finally returning to iOS in Europe.”
However, there is a requirement; users must update their iPhones to iOS 17.6 or later to install the Epic Games Store, as indicated by a popup after scanning a QR code on Epic’s site. This conflicts with Epic’s FAQ, which mentions compatibility with iOS 17.4 or later.
The revival comes just in time for a new Marvel-themed season, potentially drawing EU players back to the game on iOS. Sweeney noted that Epic anticipates “absolutely no trouble” keeping Fortnite updated globally. In addition to Fortnite, users in Europe with iPhones and Android users worldwide will also have access to Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a new mobile version of Fall Guys.
Epic has launched Fall Guys on mobile for the first time. Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz commented, “The DMA required us to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU, and we have worked to make them as easy as possible for users while also trying to protect their privacy and security.”
Currently, the mobile Epic Games Store features just three first-party games, but Epic is in talks with third-party developers. The company plans to curate a selection of third-party games by December, with self-publishing capabilities expected in early 2025. Epic aims to replicate its PC offerings on mobile, including an 88 percent revenue share for developers, free games, and the ability for developers to utilize their own payment systems. The goal is to achieve 100 million new installations of the Epic Games Store mobile version by year-end, though challenges related to Apple’s third-party installation process might impact that target.
Epic faces the challenge of persuading developers to endure Apple’s fees for stepping outside of the App Store. Developers wanting to list their apps on a third-party platform must pay Apple a €0.50 annual “Core Technology Fee” for every install beyond the first million. This fee accumulates quickly for successful apps, potentially discouraging developers from joining competing marketplaces. Sweeney commented that this discourages developers from offering their games on rival platforms.
Apple recently introduced additional new fees. Allison compared the situation to a “walled garden,” stating that new fees have made it more difficult for developers to venture outside the App Store.
Despite the obstacles, Epic sees value in overcoming these challenges. Court documents indicated that Fortnite generated over $700 million in its first two years before being removed from the App Store. Although the game’s audience will be smaller in the EU-exclusive third-party store, Epic retains 100 percent of revenue from in-app purchases, compared to the usual 30 percent cut Apple takes. Some of that income will offset Apple’s fees, but Epic’s stature positions it to manage these costs.
However, many third-party developers remain hesitant. Epic is reportedly engaging with “just about every single one” of the top 250 mobile developers, who have shown enthusiasm for the Android Epic Games Store but expressed difficulties in making it work on iOS.
Epic acknowledges the long road ahead, having spent substantial resources in their battle against Apple. Allison admitted that friction remains for both players and developers. “But our vision for the future is we’re going to keep fighting,” Allison assured. “We’re going to make progress. We are confident that over time, we will eradicate these issues, but we don’t know if it’s going to be two months or two years or longer. We certainly hope it’s one of the shorter ones.”