While Epic and Apple's rights dispute continues, Fortnite will finally return to Apple devices. We have the details for you.
For over 3 years, Epic and Apple have been locked in a legal battle, resulting in Fortnite being unavailable on Apple devices for quite some time. However, this could finally change, at least for fans in the EU!
Apple vs. Epic: What has happened so far
For those unaware of the kindergarten quarrel between Apple and Epic, here's a brief summary:
In August 2020, Apple revoked Epic's Fortnite developer account, blocking the distribution of Fortnite on its devices after Epic deliberately bypassed the contractually mandated App Store payment mechanisms in its Fortnite iOS app—a move Apple has since labeled as "intentional breach of contract." This led to a massive back-and-forth, with Fortnite even launching a complete "Free Fortnite" campaign against Apple!
The dispute even reached the Supreme Court! Now, the DMA steps in to bring Fortnite back to the iPhone.
Fortnite Returns to the App Store
The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) legally obliges Apple to provide third-party developers the option to offer their own stores on iOS. This regulation allows Epic to integrate its own Epic Games Store on iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. The company has already announced this via X (formerly Twitter), including the availability of Fortnite on these platforms.
Remember Fortnite on iOS?
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) January 25, 2024
How bout we bring that back.
Later this year Fortnite will return in Europe on iOS through the @EpicGames Store.
(shoutout DMA - an important new law in the EU making this possible). @Apple, the world is watching. pic.twitter.com/VdHWTe8i1c
With the DMA, Epic can even bypass the 30 percent share, which is the main point of contention between the two companies. However, Tim Sweeney, Epic's former CEO, explains that Apple could potentially circumvent EU laws by still charging fees on purchases in other stores.
Apple's plan to thwart Europe's new Digital Markets Act law is a devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) January 25, 2024
They are forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and the store terms, which will be illegal under DMA, or accept a new also-illegal anticompetitive...
What ultimately unfolds remains to be seen. If all goes according to plan, Fortnite will return to iOS devices later this year. As always, we will keep you updated on this matter.