Epic Games Announces Fortnite's Return To iOS Devices In Europe

Fortnite is back on iPhones and iPads, baby!

Epic Games has announced that the battle royale game will make a return to iOS devices in Europe later this year via a new Epic Games Store app. The move is attributed in part to a change in EU law, specifically the Digital Markets Act, set to take effect in March. And still, Epic maintains its stance against Apple — asserting that the tech giant is breaking the law. It remains unclear whether the inclusion of the UK is part of the plan though, given the EU-specific legal change and the UK's exit from the EU.

Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024, distributed by the upcoming @EpicGames Store for iOS. Stay tuned for details as we figure out the regulatory timeline. We'll continue to argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law. https://t.co/MHh6EGVinC

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) January 25, 2024

The Digital Markets Act mandates Apple to allow developers to create and offer new apps, including alternative app stores, outside of the App Store. However, Apple has adjusted its terms to ensure continued revenue from non-App Store apps. Developers of apps downloaded more than a million times annually are now required to pay Apple roughly 50¢ for each download beyond the first million. Additionally, Apple will charge a 27% commission on proceeds from payment links leading users to third-party websites, even though the transactions occur outside the App Store.