Fortnite will return to iPhones and iPads in Europe after Apple gave up on Epic Games in an unexpected response to European regulatory pressure. Fortnite was banned from the App Store in 2020 for violating in-app payment regulations when Epic Games built its own game store, which Apple blocked.
This endeavour continues the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect on Thursday and required Apple and Google to comply. The DMA wants corporations to lose control over iOS and Android app distribution.
Breton of the European industry was happy with Apple’s backdown and attributed it to European regulator pressure. Breton noted DMA’s direct effects on the bigger picture, citing tech firms’ increasing accountability.
Epic Games sued Apple in 2020 for violating US antitrust laws with its in-app payment commission scheme. Though Epic lost the trial, Apple’s withdrawal allowed Epic to relaunch its game shop and Fortnite on iOS devices in Europe.
Apple has obstacles despite its success. The company faces difficulties like the App Store model and declining iPhone sales. After paraphrasing Epic Games’ worries regarding new DMA restrictions, Apple returned Epic Games’ developer account.
An Epic Games spokesman said the business would proceed with the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in Europe, citing the European Commission’s urgent Digital Markets Act implementation.
