For the first time in four years, the popular video game Fortnite is now accessible as an iPhone app.
It will only be accessible to players within the European Union, though.
This is due to the fact that Apple is required by EU law to permit third-party app stores on its devices; regulation in other regions of the world is not like to this.
In 2020, a disagreement over payments between Apple and Epic led to the game’s removal from the App Store.
To download the game, users will need to set up a different app store on their phones.
The recently opened Epic Games Store, which is also accessible for the first time on Google Android smartphones, is one of these substitute stores.
Epic acknowledges that the procedure is “long” and holds Apple and Google accountable for “introducing intentionally poor-quality install experiences laden by multiple steps, confusing device settings, and scare screens.”
Apple claimed that the recent EU legislation “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.”
Google has been contacted by the BBC to provide a statement.
It occurs at the same time that Fortnite’s new season, which is themed around Doctor Doom from Marvel, debuts.
Why is Fortnite exclusive to iPhones in the European Union?
Since the Digital Markets Act, a new piece of EU legislation, went into effect in March, Apple has been required to permit other app shops on its products.
In other regions of the world, where apps are exclusively available for distribution through Apple’s official App Store, those laws do not apply.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, stated on X that “Fortnite has been freed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act.”
“Apple continues to block Fortnite from a billion players in the rest of the world, and the battle rages on to restore free market competition.”
Apple claims that security is the primary motivation behind this.
Epic counters that this implies Apple has a monopoly and can charge app developers exorbitant fees—up to a 30% commission on sales.
Google charges a similar commission for apps downloaded via the Google Play store.
Google does, however, permit other app stores to be installed on its Android smartphones.
Android users were previously able to download the Fortnite software straight on their phones from Epic Games.
Although Fortnite is free to play, the game earns revenue from in-app purchases made by users for things like new skins and weaponry.
2020 saw its removal from the app stores on Google and Apple, after Epic Games ceased to pay the commission.
When will UK iPhone users be able to play Fortnite?
UK iPhone users are currently unable to download Fortnite, although they are still able to play using a web browser.
According to The Guardian, Epic Games plans to release the Fortnite app for iPhones in the UK again in late 2025.
Tim Sweeney told them, “We should be able to move on that by the end of next year, unless Apple and Google manage to lobby the UK government that they should be able to continue blocking competition.”
May saw the passage of a new competition law that may open the door for rival iPhone app shops.
According to a press release from Mr. Sweeney, “the fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice.”
Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe are now playable on Epic Games’ new app store.