Fortnite Returns to iPhones in the EU as Apple Complies with New Digital Markets Act

Fortnite Returns to iPhones in the EU as Apple Complies with New Digital Markets Act
Image credit: Fortnite

For the first time in four years, Fortnite, one of the world's most popular video games, is available as an iPhone app. However, this revival is limited to players in the European Union (EU), due to new legislation that mandates Apple to permit third-party app stores on its devices. This legislation does not apply to other regions, where the game remains unavailable through the App Store.

Digital Markets Act Forces Apple to Allow Alternative App Stores

The game was initially removed from Apple's App Store in 2020 following a dispute over payment policies between Apple and Epic Games. The recent change comes as a result of the Digital Markets Act, a new EU law that came into effect in March 2024, requiring Apple to enable alternative app stores on its devices. This legal shift has allowed Fortnite to be "freed on iOS in Europe," according to Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney, though the battle continues to make the game available globally.

Installing Fortnite via Third-Party App Stores

To download Fortnite on their iPhones, EU users must install an alternative app store, such as the newly launched Epic Games Store. This alternative is also available on Google Android devices for the first time. Despite the opportunity, Epic Games has criticized Apple and Google for creating a "lengthy" and complex installation process, involving multiple steps and confusing device settings.

Apple and Google's Response to the New Legislation

Apple has acknowledged the new EU law, stating that it has worked to make these changes as user-friendly as possible while still protecting privacy and security. The BBC claimed to have reached out to Google for a comment on the situation. While Google permits alternative app stores on its Android devices, Apple maintains its restrictions outside the EU, citing security concerns. Epic Games, however, argues that this allows Apple to maintain a monopoly and charge high commission rates of up to 30% on in-app purchases, a practice also followed by Google on its Google Play store.

Fortnite's Future Availability on UK iPhones

Currently, Fortnite remains unavailable on iPhones in the UK, though users can play the game via a browser. According to The Guardian, Epic Games is aiming to reintroduce the Fortnite app on UK iPhones by late 2025, depending on the outcome of ongoing lobbying efforts by Apple and Google. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, expressed optimism that new competition laws passed in May 2024 could pave the way for alternative app stores on UK iPhones. He emphasized that while the fight for competition is ongoing, the recent developments represent tangible progress for both developers and consumers.

Expanding Epic Games' Offerings

In addition to Fortnite, Epic Games has also made other popular titles like Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys available on its new app store, further expanding its offerings and challenging the current app store landscape. As the situation continues to evolve, both developers and consumers stand to benefit from increased competition and choice in the digital marketplace.