In a highly anticipated move, the popular mobile game Fortnite has returned to smartphones after a four-year absence. The game was removed from both Android and Apple app stores due to legal disputes between its developer, Epic Games, and the tech giants. With the launch of its own app store, Epic Games has become one of the first third-party stores available on iOS. However, UK iPhone users will have to wait until next year to play.
Android users, on the other hand, can immediately download the new Epic Games Store, which also features popular titles such as Fall Guys and Rocket League. This launch marks the latest development in the ongoing battle between Epic and the tech giants. The company has accused Google and Apple of operating anti-competitively and taking advantage of their dominant positions in the app store market.
The legal dispute between Epic and Apple began in 2020 when the former stopped paying commission for its downloads. Epic argued that third-party app stores should be allowed on iPhones and other devices. However, in a court case against Apple, the company lost and was forced to remove Fortnite from its app store. In March of this year, a new EU law came into effect, requiring Apple to allow alternative app stores for devices in the EU.
According to reports in The Guardian, Epic Games plans to bring the Fortnite app back to UK iPhones in late 2025. In a blog post announcing the launch of its app store, Epic once again criticized Apple and Google for their “anti-competitive” practices and accused them of making it difficult for users to access alternative app store platforms.
“We are continuing to fight in courts and work with regulators around the globe to eliminate the anti-competitive terms that Apple and Google impose on developers and consumers, so we can build a better store for everyone,” said Epic Games in the blog post.
Google declined to comment on the launch. In a statement, Apple stated that the new EU laws required them to enable new capabilities for developers in the EU while also protecting user privacy and security. This development is just one of many in the ongoing battle between Epic Games and the tech giants, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately impact the mobile app market. Stay tuned for more tech news and updates.
