Fortnite Returns to iOS in EU, Marks a New Era for Epic Games Store

Fortnite is finally back on iOS, four years after Apple booted it from the App Store. The game is launching today on a new iPhone version of the Epic Games Store and through AltStore PAL, another third-party app store. The Epic Games Store is also launching today for Android users worldwide.

A New Era for the Epic Games Store

The launch follows years of litigation between Epic and Apple, as well as regulatory changes ushered in by the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The EU law forced Apple to allow alternate app stores, giving Epic the opportunity to bring its games to Apple devices.

Initial Launch Offers

The revived iOS version of Fortnite is launching just in time for the new Marvel-themed season, giving EU players a reason to come back to the game on Apple’s mobile platform. European iPhone owners and global Android users will also be able to download Epic’s Rocket League Sideswipe and a new title, a mobile version of Fall Guys, from the Epic Games Store and AltStore PAL.

Challenges Ahead

While the mobile Epic Games Store currently has just three first-party games, the company is already in discussions with third-party mobile developers. However, many third-party developers seem leery due to Apple’s fees for venturing outside the App Store. Epic aims to have a “curated” selection of third-party games on the mobile store in December, with self-publishing set to arrive in early 2025.