Fortnite Set to Return to iPhones in EU Following EU Law Changes

After a four-year absence, the immensely popular video game Fortnite is making a comeback to iPhones, thanks to a new EU law aimed at enhancing competition. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, will now be permitted to operate its own app store on Apple devices.

Presently, iPhone users can only download apps from Apple’s official App Store, adhering to the tech giant’s stringent policies. However, starting March, Apple will be obligated to allow customers in the EU to access alternative app stores on their iOS devices, according to the new EU law.

This development follows Epic Games’ decision to withdraw Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 due to disagreements with Apple’s policies. The move was in response to accusations of Apple creating a monopoly, restricting developers and users to its channels and imposing up to a 30% commission on developers.

In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Fortnite shared the news, saying, “Remember Fortnite on iOS? How ’bout we bring that back,” and added a message directed at Apple, stating, “The world is watching.”

Fortnite’s return is attributed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a significant new law in the EU designed to regulate major companies acting as gatekeepers to services like search engines and app stores. While these changes will not initially apply in the UK, the UK’s Digital Markets Bill is likely to subject Apple’s practices to similar regulatory scrutiny.

Apple’s announcement includes further openness in browser choice, allowing EU users to opt out of using Apple’s Safari web browser from the first time they open it. However, Apple expressed concerns about potential security risks, emphasizing that their standards aim to protect users from increased privacy and security threats.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple’s announcement, citing issues like “junk fees on downloads,” possibly referring to core technology fees charged to developers. Apple warned of potential security risks associated with alternative app stores, asserting that these changes comply with the Digital Markets Act while acknowledging the challenges it poses.

The move aligns with the EU’s objective to foster open and competitive markets, and the UK is likely to follow suit with similar regulatory measures through the ongoing Digital Markets Bill.