Fortnite is back on the iPhone, marking its return just shy of four years after it was removed from the platform following a feud between Apple and Epic Games, the game’s developer. The catch? It's only available for users located within the European Union (EU) due to recent regulatory changes.
This turn of events stems from the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates Apple to allow external app marketplaces. This change enabled the launch of the Epic Games Store on August 16, providing players direct access to Fortnite and other titles.
To download the Epic Games Store, iPhone users must have iOS 17.6 installed, and the store is filled with several popular games like Fall Guys alongside Fortnite. Epic Games has hinted at adding more games to the store, promising users various options.
Back when Fortnite was yanked from the App Store, the dispute centered on Apple’s commission structure for in-app purchases, with Epic seeking to sidestep the hefty fees. The game’s absence meant losing out on significant revenue for Epic, which reportedly earned over $700 million during its two-year run on iOS prior to being banned.
Now, with the return of Fortnite, players across the EU can go to Epic’s website on their iPhones and tap the download option. The installation process is relatively straightforward, albeit with some additional steps involving settings confirmation.
Needing to allow permissions for the Epic Games Store is part of ensuring security when sideloading apps, something Apple previously aimed to restrict vigorously. Despite these restrictions, many users seem eager for the newfound flexibility this new development affords, even if it may not sit well with Apple.
While Fortnite is regaining its foothold, Android users have already been able to enjoy the game via the Epic Games Store without any interruptions. The potential for other regions, like the U.S., U.K., and Australia, to follow suit remains uncertain, but observers are watching closely.
For fans eager to rejoin the battle royale, Fortnite is free to download and play once it is installed via the Epic platform. Upcoming content updates promise new outfits and rewards, like the much-anticipated Katalina outfit available through completing specific quests.
Downloading Fortnite on iOS is easy for those in the EU: they need to access Epic’s site, select the download button, and follow the prompts. These steps not only pave the way for exciting gameplay but signal the changing tides of app market policies worldwide.
The regulatory changes initiated by the EU could lay the foundation for other countries to adjust their app market rules, possibly leading to more independence for app developers globally. For now, the return of Fortnite to the iPhone brings back nostalgic competitive gameplay for many players.
While speculations continue about whether similar changes will be implemented elsewhere, many iPhone users are happy to see the game back on their devices. The entire scenario highlights the delicate relationship between tech giants and regulatory frameworks as they evolve over time.
Will Fortnite inspire other developers to explore alternative distribution channels? Only time will tell as the competitive gaming space adapts to the changing legal landscapes.
