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Epic Games has launched its own app store on iPhones in the EU. This development follows the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which has forced Apple to open its platform to third-party app marketplaces.

EU iPhone users can now access the Epic Games Store by visiting Epic’s website on their devices, provided they are running iOS 17.4 or later. The store’s initial offering is limited, featuring Epic’s own titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe, with plans to expand the library through discussions with third-party mobile developers.

The return of Fortnite to iOS is particularly significant, given the game’s tumultuous history with Apple. Removed from the App Store in 2020 due to a dispute over in-app purchase systems, Fortnite had previously generated over $700 million on iOS in just two years, with Apple taking a 30% cut amounting to more than $100 million.

#FreeFortnite status: 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.https://t.co/A4JFGI4EbC

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, commented: “This marks a significant step towards a more open digital marketplace where developers have greater control over their products and direct relationships with their customers.”

However, Epic faces new challenges in the form of Apple’s revised fee structure. A “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 per install per year after the first million installs applies to both the Epic Games Store and its games, effectively doubling charges for popular titles like Fortnite. The EU commission is currently scrutinising whether this new structure complies with the Digital Markets Act.

As of today, thanks to the #DMA, a new app store can be downloaded on iOS & Android devices.

Great news for EU users & app developers across the globe who want to do business here.

Yes, gamers, Europe means more #FREEDOM & choice! 🎮🇪🇺 #FreeFortnite https://t.co/b4dpS9wyui

Looking ahead, Epic plans to expand its store to other regions where regulations permit, with Japan targeted for a 2025 launch. The company has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 million mobile downloads of its store by year-end, combining installs across iOS and Android platforms.

Epic and Apple will be under close observation by industry experts and regulators. The outcome could set a precedent for the future of mobile app distribution and the balance of power between platform holders and app developers. Microsoft is already gearing up to launch its own app store on iOS.

For iPad users eager to access the Epic Games Store, they’ll need to wait until the release of iPadOS 18. This staggered rollout underscores the complexities of introducing new app ecosystems to established platforms.

See also: App Store policies spark Patreon backlash

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