Fortnite app returns to iPhones - but only in the EU

Fortnite, one of the most popular video games in the world, has made its return to iPhones after a four-year absence, but only for players located in the European Union. This development is a result of new legislation in the EU that mandates Apple to permit third-party app stores on its devices. In contrast, other regions do not have similar laws, which means that players outside the EU are still unable to access Fortnite on their iPhones. The game was removed from the App Store back in 2020 due to a dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. To download the game, users will need to install an alternative app store on their devices. One of these new app stores is the Epic Games Store, which has also launched on Google Android devices. Epic Games has acknowledged that the process of getting Fortnite back on iPhones is quite lengthy and has criticized both Apple and Google for creating a complicated installation experience filled with multiple steps, confusing device settings, and alarming warnings. In response, Apple stated that the new EU law required them to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU, and they have worked to make the process as user-friendly as possible while also prioritizing user privacy and security. The BBC has reached out to Google for their comments on this matter. This news coincides with the launch of a new season of Fortnite, which features new characters and gameplay elements. The Digital Markets Act, the new EU legislation, came into effect in March and requires Apple to allow alternative app stores on its devices. However, such regulations do not exist in other parts of the world, where apps can only be downloaded from Apple's official App Store. Epic Games has declared that 'Fortnite has been freed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. ' They also pointed out that Apple continues to block Fortnite from reaching a billion players globally, and the ongoing battle aims to restore free market competition. Apple defends its actions primarily on security grounds, but Epic argues that this gives Apple a monopoly, allowing them to impose high fees—up to 30% commission on purchases—on app developers. Google also charges a fee when apps are downloaded through its Google Play store, but it does allow alternative app stores on its Android devices. Android users have been able to download the Fortnite app directly from Epic Games on their phones for some time now. While Fortnite is free to play, it generates revenue through in-game purchases for items like new skins and weapons. The game was removed from both Apple and Google's app stores in 2020 after Epic Games ceased paying the commission fees. Currently, UK iPhone users are unable to download Fortnite, although they can still play it through a web browser. Epic Games is aiming to bring the Fortnite app back to UK iPhones by late 2025. Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, mentioned that unless Apple and Google manage to persuade the UK government to continue blocking competition, they should be able to make progress by the end of next year. A new competition law was enacted in May, which could potentially pave the way for alternative app stores on iPhones. 'The fight is far from over, but this is tangible progress for developers and consumers who can begin to benefit from competition and choice,' Mr. Sweeney stated in a press release. Additionally, Epic Games has made its other games, such as Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, available on its new app store.