Apple recently introduced third-party app stores for European users.
Tl; Dr
- Fortnite returns to iOS devices thanks to the new mobile Epic Games Store.
- Compensation is possible thanks to new EU legislation on digital markets.
- Apple introduces new fee structure and approval process.
- Epic CEO criticizes Apple’s competition policy.
Epic Games Store brings Fortnite back to life on iOS
Epic Games’ popular game Fortnite will soon make a comeback on iPhone and iPad in Europe. This, thanks to the arrival of the new mobile Epic Games Store, a movement that marks the official return of the title to the Apple platform after its withdrawal in August 2020.
Favorable regulatory developments
This reintroduction is made possible by the entry into force of new European Union legislation on digital markets on March 7. It allows developers to collect payments and distribute their apps outside of the Apple App Store. The American technology giant had to respond to this new law by implementing a new approval process called “notarization” to identify potentially dangerous applications.
Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024, distributed by Next @EpicGames Store for iOS. Stay tuned for details as we figure out the regulatory timeline. We will continue to argue before the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law. https://t.co/MHh6EGVinC
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) January 25, 2024
A new economic model for Apple
At the same time, Apple also plans to introduce a new pricing structure. The latter claims to cost less or even the same for most developers who publish their applications on the European market.
Fortnite vs Apple: The battle is on
Despite these changes that will allow Epic Games to once again monetize its iOS users (at least in Europe), the company’s founder and CEO, Tim Sweeney, has not held back in criticizing Apple. He criticizes the Cupertino company for imposing “new junk fees on downloads and new Apple taxes on payments they don’t process.”
