Fortnite is returning to iPhones after Epic Games victory over Apple

NEWS
By
27 July 2024
Fortnite will soon be available again on iPhones, though initially limited to the European Union
Fortnite is returning to iPhones after Epic Games victory over Apple
( Image credits: TechyMenia )

After a lengthy four-year legal dispute with Apple, Epic Games has declared that Fortnite will soon be available again on iPhones, though initially limited to the European Union. This reintroduction will not only feature the Apple App Store but also the newly established standalone Epic Games Store and third-party mobile stores such as AltStore.

Epic Games Store Set to Launch on iOS and Android in the EU

The European Union will be the first to witness the arrival of the Epic Games Store on both iOS and Android platforms later this year. Earlier in July, Apple granted approval for the Epic Games marketplace app for iOS and iPadOS. Epic Games has also targeted the second half of 2025 for its launch in the UK.

“Fortnite will be reintroduced to iOS in the European Union soon, and the Epic Games Store will be accessible on Android globally and on iOS within the European Union, offering developers favorable terms: a 12% store fee for payments processed by us and 0% on third-party payments,” stated Epic Games in a recent press release.

The Genesis of the Legal Dispute

The protracted legal confrontation between Epic and Apple began in 2020 when Fortnite was removed from the App Store for bypassing its payment processing guidelines. Epic Games retaliated with a lawsuit challenging Apple’s restrictive policies, resulting in changes that permit certain apps to process payments externally. In the EU, regulatory authorities concluded that Apple’s App Store practices infringed upon the Digital Markets Act (DMA), mandating platform owners like Apple and Google to allow third-party marketplaces on their operating systems.

Samsung Users Excluded

While iOS users in the EU will celebrate Fortnite’s return, the scenario is less favorable for Samsung device owners. Epic Games has announced the withdrawal of Fortnite and other titles from its library from mobile stores it perceives as “rent collectors without robust competition and fair service to all developers.” This includes the Galaxy Store.

Epic Games’ decision is driven by Samsung’s anti-competitive actions, particularly its default blocking of side-loading on Samsung Android devices. This issue was brought to light during the Epic v Google lawsuit in the US, exposing ongoing proposals by Google to limit competition in the Android app distribution market.

Last year, Samsung introduced Auto Blocker to enhance security by preventing malware installations via side-loaded apps and USB downloads. Although users can disable Auto Blocker in the Settings app, Epic objects to its default activation, leading to the removal of its games from the Galaxy Store. However, with the forthcoming launch of the Epic Games Store, Samsung users will have alternative means to access their favorite Epic Games titles outside the Galaxy Store.

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