After a four-year hiatus, Fortnite has made its way back onto iPhones, though with certain limitations. The beloved battle royale game is currently accessible only within the EU, and exclusively through Epic’s newly launched mobile store or AltStore PAL. This development trails years of legal battles between Epic and Apple, and regulatory changes brought about by the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which compelled Apple to permit alternative app stores.
There is a caveat: users need to update to iOS 17.6 or later to install the Epic Games Store, despite Epic’s FAQ stating compatibility with iOS 17.4 and above. However, this iOS revival coincides with Fortnite’s new Marvel-themed season,possibly enticing EU players back to the game on Apple devices.
Epic envisions expanding its reach, planning to bring its games to other stores globally. Apart from Fortnite, European iPhone and global Android users can now download Rocket League Sideswipe and a mobile version of Fall Guys from the Epic Games Store.
Apple’s journey towards allowing third-party app stores has been fraught with challenges. Epic’s developer account was briefly shut down, and Apple even took issue with the Epic Games Store’s button design.
The company has provided instructional videos to guide users through the installation process for the Epic Games Store on both iOS and Android. However, Epic Games acknowledges that the current installation process is cumbersome due to Apple and Google’s deliberate implementation of complex procedures and intimidating warnings.
The launch of the Epic Games Store represents the first time Apple faces a major competitor aiming to challenge its App Store’s stronghold. This move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the mobile app landscape, potentially leading to increased innovation and more favorable terms for developers.
