Epic Games aims to bring the popular Fortnite game to iPhone and iPad users by launching a game store for Apple platforms in line with the European game maker's new alternative app store policy. iPhone.
This means that iPhone and iPad users living in the European Union can install and play the popular game without having to use a cloud gaming service.
Apple had previously announced that it would open iOS to third-party app stores in the European Union.
Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store in August 2023 after Epic Games violated Apple's App Store policies by offering a direct payment option, embroiling the two companies in a legal battle that continues to this day.
Epic Games said in a post on social media platform X that it will bring its App Store to Apple devices starting this year.
“Fortnite will return to iOS in Europe in 2024 and will be distributed through our upcoming iOS Games Store,” the company said.
As Epic Games plans to launch an iOS game store, CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized the changes made by Apple.
Apple's changes to the App Store are another misleading example of malicious compliance aimed at preventing the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, Sweeney said.
Apple charges half a euro per user per year for apps installed outside its App Store, but the App Store does not charge a commission for in-app apps.
Apple is waiving fees for the first million installs, but the half-euro fee per user could cost app developers like Epic Games a lot of money.
Sweeney called Apple's changes an anti-competitive system full of unnecessary fees and criticized Apple's certification process, which could lead to alternative iOS app stores being rejected.
Sweeney claimed that Apple could prevent Epic Games from opening its own game store and distributing Fortnite through it, although there is no indication that Apple could do so.
Sweeney said Epic Games is committed to opening its own iOS game store to compete with Apple's App Store.
While Epic Games plans to launch its own iOS game store, the company said it will continue to fight in court and with regulators over Apple's violation of the law.