Fortnite Returns to iOS in 2024 with New Regulations in Europe
In light of new regulations in the EU and Apple’s policies, Fortnite will finally make its comeback on iOS in 2024 – at least in Europe. However, Epic and Apple are far from finished with their legal battles.
The Digital Markets Act in the EU was adopted in 2022 and will come into effect for companies like Apple in March 2024, introducing new regulations aimed at creating more competition in digital markets. Today, Apple announced how it will implement these provisions. There is an insightful article on The Verge website, which describes these changes in detail, but in summary, developers will now have the ability to create external stores on iOS, separate from the App Store, which can utilize external payment processors, thus bypassing Apple’s fees.
Shortly after the announcement, Epic stated that “Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024, distributed through the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS. Stay tuned for more details about the planned timing of the change. We will continue to fight in courts and before regulatory authorities that Apple is breaking the law.”
Both Apple and Epic are dissatisfied with the current situation in the EU. Apple claims that compliance with the new regulations will result in “opening up new avenues for malicious software, fraud, illegal and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats.” Meanwhile, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney refers to Apple’s plan as an “attempt to thwart new EU digital market laws”, which is a “devious example of malicious compliance.”
In 2020, Epic introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite, circumventing Apple’s fees for V-Bucks purchases. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store. Epic launched a campaign against Apple’s market control, under a marketing campaign called Free Fortnite, aiming to win the hearts and minds of players. Whether anyone playing Fortnite actually cares about who will win in this kind of corporate tug-of-war over billions in profits is questionable, but various international legal battles have been ongoing since then.
FAQs about Fortnite on iOS in light of new EU regulations and Apple’s policies:
1. When will Fortnite return to iOS in Europe?
Fortnite is planned to return to iOS in Europe in 2024.
2. How will developers be able to use external stores on iOS?
New EU regulations will allow developers to create external stores on iOS, separate from the App Store, which can utilize external payment processors.
3. What are the other changes in Apple’s policy due to the new EU regulations?
The new regulations governing digital markets will enforce greater competition on digital platforms. They will also open up the possibility of using external payment processors.
4. Why are Apple and Epic not satisfied with the new EU regulations?
Apple claims that the new regulations may lead to security and privacy threats. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, believes that Apple’s plan is an attempt to undermine the new EU regulations on digital markets.
5. What was the cause of the conflict between Apple and Epic?
In 2020, Epic introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s fees. Apple responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store.
6. How is Epic responding to the new regulations and Apple’s policies?
Epic has announced that Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024 through the Epic Games Store for iOS. They will also continue to fight in courts and before regulatory authorities.
7. Where can I find more information about the current season of Fortnite?
You can click on this link to get details about Season 1, Chapter 5 of the Fortnite game.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the original source and is for informational purposes only. Please refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information.
The source of the article is from the blog klikeri.rs