Fortnite mobile will return to iOS devices in Europe this year

An official post on X by Fortnite have revealed that the iOS version of Fortnite will return this year. The game was previously available through the Apple app store however, it was removed for violating app store guidelines.

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The removal of Fortnite started a huge legal battle between Apple and Epic Games which after a long time, Epic seems to be winning. The European Union (EU) decided to crack down on Apple’s rules.

As a result, Apple have agreed to provide more freedom for users. This also happened in the case of their mobile devices, which were forced to have USB-C connectivity in Europe. This prompted the company to ditch its lightning cable and adopt USB-C completely.

Fortnite will be available through Epic Games Store

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While people might say, Fortnite is already available on Epic Games Store, this is something different. The Epic Games Store mentioned in this context is for iOS devices.

As per the company, the EU will be enforcing a new law to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law will cover all markets under the EU’s DMA. While it does come as a victory, it is currently limited to European countries.

Currently, there is no date for the release. “Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024, distributed by the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS. Stay tuned for details as we figure out the regulatory timeline,” the company said in a statement.

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Epic Games CEO speaks on the matter

Epic Games CEO also posted on the matter, saying, “Apple's plan to thwart Europe's new Digital Markets Act law is a devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.”

“They are forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and the store terms, which will be illegal under DMA, or accept a new also-illegal anticompetitive scheme rife with new Junk Fees on downloads and new Apple taxes on payments they don't process,” he added.