In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that it will allow sideloading and alternate marketplaces on its devices to comply with new EU rules. This means that users in all 27 EU countries will soon have the option to download apps from third-party app stores. As part of this change, Epic Games has revealed that it will launch a native iOS version of the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS devices.
While this may sound like good news for gamers, there is a catch. Apple is implementing several stipulations that have sparked controversy. All iOS apps, regardless of their distribution source, must be notarized by Apple for platform integrity and user protection. Additionally, developers must receive authorization from Apple before they can operate their own stores. These requirements are causing frustration among developers, including Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney.
Sweeney has been battling Apple in US courts for years over its iOS practices, and he is not pleased with these new EU rules. He has called them a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance,” claiming that Apple is forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity or accepting an anticompetitive scheme with additional fees and taxes.
Despite this disagreement, Sweeney has committed to launching the Epic Games Store on iOS and Android when the EU’s Digital Markets Act takes effect in March. His goal is to become the leading multi-platform software store, offering payment competition, low fees, and exclusive games like Fortnite.
This announcement is especially significant for Fortnite players on iOS, as the game has not been available since August 2020 when it was removed from the App Store. Epic Games has since partnered with Microsoft to provide access to Fortnite via cloud streaming for iOS users. However, the upcoming changes to Apple’s guidelines will allow Epic Games to offer a native iOS version of the game once again.
While some may question whether Epic Games will try to bypass Apple’s guidelines once more, it is clear that they are determined to bring Fortnite back to iOS and provide a seamless gaming experience for their dedicated player base. The return of Fortnite to iOS devices is eagerly anticipated by fans, and it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the gaming landscape.
Keywords: Apple, sideloading, iOS apps, Epic Games, App Store, Fortnite, developers, Malicious Compliance, Digital Markets Act.
Related links:
– Official Apple website
– Epic Games Store
– European Union – Digital Markets Act.
The source of the article is from the blog radardovalemg.com