Back on the Battlefield! Fortnite Returns to iOS, Epic Games Store Officially Launches in the EU

Back on the Battlefield! Fortnite Returns to iOS, Epic Games Store Officially Launches in the EUFollowing the implementation of the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple has been forced to allow third-party app stores on iOS. Today, Epic Games officially announced that its flagship title, Fortnite, has officially returned to the iOS platform in the EU, and has launched the new Epic Games Store for iPhone users

Back on the Battlefield! Fortnite Returns to iOS, Epic Games Store Officially Launches in the EU

Following the implementation of the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple has been forced to allow third-party app stores on iOS. Today, Epic Games officially announced that its flagship title, Fortnite, has officially returned to the iOS platform in the EU, and has launched the new Epic Games Store for iPhone users. Currently, iPhone users, macOS users, and Android users in the EU can all experience this platform.

This event stems from August 2020, when Epic refused to pay Apple's 30% commission on App Store transactions, commonly known as the "Apple tax," leading to a conflict with Apple that ultimately resulted in Fortnite being removed from the AppStore. Now, under the impetus of EU regulations, Fortnite has finally returned to iOS.

Currently, the iOS version of the Epic Games Store only includes a small number of popular Epic games, such as Fortnite and Fall Guys, but Epic has promised that the number of games will increase over time. Notably, only EU iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later can use third-party app stores, including the Epic Games Store.

Additionally, Apple has announced that third-party app stores will be available for iPad users starting with iPadOS 18, further opening up the market for the Epic Games Store. Epic has also indicated that it plans to launch the Epic Games Store for more Apple users in regions like Japan starting in 2025.

While the Epic Games Store is currently only available in the EU, this event undoubtedly provides new options for game developers and players. Apple's closed ecosystem has long been criticized, and the implementation of the EU's Digital Markets Act has given developers more channels and choices, which will be beneficial for promoting healthy development in the gaming industry. This event also underlines the crucial role of regulations in maintaining fair competition and protecting user rights.

With the return of Fortnite to iOS and the official launch of the Epic Games Store, the future of the gaming market will witness even fiercer competition. Game developers will have more options, and players will enjoy a richer gaming experience. As time goes on, the Epic Games Store will undoubtedly continue to improve and become an indispensable part of the Apple ecosystem.