Fortnite, one of the world’s most popular video games, has returned to mobile devices for the first time in four years. The game is now available on the Epic Games Store for Android users globally, including those in the UK. However, iPhone users in the European Union (EU) are the only ones who can access it through the App Store, due to recent changes in EU legislation.
The game was removed from mobile platforms in 2020 following a dispute between Apple, Epic Games (the game’s developer), and Google over payment policies. Now, users on Android phones will need to download an alternative app store to access Fortnite and other Epic Games titles. Epic Games has described this process as “lengthy” and criticized Apple and Google for creating a “difficult installation experience” with numerous steps and confusing settings.
New regulations in the EU, which took effect in March, mandate that Apple must permit alternative app stores on its devices. This regulatory shift contrasts with other regions, where Apple’s App Store remains the sole source for app downloads.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney highlighted the EU law’s impact on Twitter, stating, “Fortnite has been freed on iOS in Europe, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. Apple continues to block Fortnite from a billion players in the rest of the world, and the battle rages on to restore free market competition.”
Apple argues that its restrictions are primarily for security reasons, while Epic contends that they give Apple a monopoly, allowing it to charge up to 30% in commissions on app purchases. Google also imposes a similar commission on its Google Play store but permits alternative app stores on Android devices.
Currently, UK iPhone users cannot download Fortnite directly but can access the game via a web browser. According to The Guardian, Epic Games aims to have the Fortnite app available on UK iPhones by late 2025, contingent on ongoing developments in competition laws. Tim Sweeney expressed hope that if the UK government does not support blocking competition, the app could be reintroduced by late next year.
The new competition law passed in May could facilitate the introduction of alternative app stores on iPhones. Sweeney described the progress as a significant win for developers and consumers, advocating for more choice and competition.
In addition to Fortnite, Epic Games has also launched Rocket League: Sideswipe and Fall Guys on mobile platforms. Android devices represent approximately 56% of the UK smartphone market, according to Statcounter.
Philips Babatunde