Sideloading and Epic Games Store: The Future of Fortnite on iOS in Europe

by Annabelle Stephenson
in *DE, *JP, Action, News, PC
on 26 January 2024

Fortnite Wracamy do iOS w Europie w 2024 roku – Nowości z Epic Games Store

Fortnite, the popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, is set to make a comeback on iOS devices in Europe in 2024. This announcement comes after a series of legal battles between Epic Games and Apple, resulting in significant changes to Apple’s policies regarding sideloading and app store restrictions.

In response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) implemented by the European Union, Apple has been compelled to allow sideloading and the availability of third-party app stores on iPhones within the EU. As a result, Apple can no longer block Fortnite on iOS in the 27 member countries of the EU.

The initial feud between Epic Games and Apple began in August 2020 when Fortnite and Epic were removed from the App Store. This action was taken by Apple after Epic added a link to its own in-app payment platform within Fortnite, offering in-app purchases at lower prices and bypassing Apple’s 30% commission on transactions made through its own platform.

Epic’s move enabled iOS users to access their own in-app payment option and purchase in-game currency at a lower cost compared to the App Store. This led to an epic legal battle, with the United States Supreme Court refusing to issue a writ of certiorari to Apple. As a result, Apple is now required to comply with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling and allow developers to redirect users to external payment platforms from within their apps. However, developers are also required to provide a link to Apple’s own in-app payment platform. Even if a developer redirects one customer to an alternative payment platform, Apple will still receive 27% of the revenue generated in the United States.

For iPhone users in one of the 27 EU member countries, the ability to visit the Epic Games Store and install Fortnite will finally become a reality. However, Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, is not resting on his laurels after reclaiming Fortnite on iPhones in Europe. Speaking about the American App Store, he said, “We will continue to argue before the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law.”

FAQ

1. What were the good and bad news regarding Fortnite on iPhones from Apple’s App Store?
Apple announced that it will allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps from other app stores. However, in August 2020, Fortnite and Epic were removed from the App Store due to the addition of a link to their own in-app payment platform, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission.

2. Why can’t Apple block Fortnite on iOS devices in EU countries anymore?
Thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU, Apple was forced to enable sideloading and the presence of third-party app stores on iPhones in the EU.

3. When will Fortnite return to iOS in Europe?
Fortnite will return to iOS devices in Europe in 2024, distributed through the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS.

4. What was Epic’s solution in response to the Fortnite block on iOS?
Epic allowed iOS users to access their own in-app payment option and purchase in-game currency at lower prices compared to the App Store.

5. What decision did the United States Supreme Court make regarding Apple?
The Supreme Court refused to issue a writ of certiorari for Apple and mandated that developers be allowed to redirect users to external payment platforms from within their apps. However, developers are also required to provide a link to Apple’s own in-app payment platform.

6. Will iPhone users in the 27 EU member countries be able to install Fortnite?
Yes, users of iPhones in one of the 27 EU member countries will be able to visit the Epic Games Store and install Fortnite.

7. What is the stance of Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, regarding the Apple situation?
Tim Sweeney will continue to argue before the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law, including within the context of the American App Store.