Fortnite Makes a Comeback on iOS, But Only in the EU
Epic Games has announced that Fortnite, its popular battle royale game, will soon be available on iOS devices in the European Union. However, this return comes with a twist - the game won't be distributed through Apple's App Store.
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| A contrast between Apple’s minimalist iPhone and the vibrant Fortnite game, symbolizing the return of Fortnite to iOS in the EU via alternative distribution methods |
A New Distribution Method
Instead of using the traditional App Store, Fortnite will be available through:
- AltStore, a third-party app marketplace
- The upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS
This move is made possible by recent EU regulations that force Apple to allow sideloading and third-party app stores for European users.
Timeline and Availability
- No specific launch date has been announced
- Expected to be available before the end of 2024
- Initially limited to EU residents only
The Apple-Epic Saga Continues
This development marks a new chapter in the long-standing dispute between Apple and Epic Games, which began in 2020 when Fortnite was removed from the App Store for circumventing Apple's payment policies.
Epic's Stance on App Store Policies
Epic Games has stated it will bring Fortnite to other mobile app stores that give all developers a great deal. The company is taking a strong stance against what it perceives as unfair practices:
- Epic will charge developers 12% for payments it processes
- 0% will be charged on third-party payments
- This contrasts with Apple's variable fee structure in the EU
Unexpected Casualty: Samsung Galaxy Store
In a surprising move, Epic announced it would remove Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store. The reason cited was Samsung's anticompetitive decision to block side-loading by default on its Android devices.
Looking Ahead
While this development is currently limited to the EU, it could potentially pave the way for similar changes in other regions. The tech industry will be watching closely to see how this new distribution model affects the mobile gaming landscape and app store ecosystems.
As the situation evolves, users and developers alike will be keen to see if this marks the beginning of a more open and competitive mobile app marketplace.