After Apple announced that it would allow app stores from other companies for iOS users in the European Union, Epic Games confirms that Fortnite will soon be returning to iPhones and iPads in Europe through the new Epic Mobile Games store. This is the official comeback of this popular game on the Apple platform since it was removed in August 2020 when Epic offered discounts on payments made directly in their store instead of using the App Store and Google Play, which both require a 30 percent commission. Until now, iOS users had to rely on Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now to play Fortnite, but for European residents, this will soon be a thing of the past.
The return of Fortnite to iOS in Europe is made possible by the new Digital Markets Act regulations of the European Union, which will come into effect on March 7th. This will allow developers to process payments and distribute apps outside of the App Store, provided they obtain permission from Apple through the new “Notarization” process to detect harmful apps. Apple is also introducing a new fee structure that will be cheaper or the same for most developers publishing their apps on European markets.
Fortnite will be back on iOS in Europe in 2024 and will be available in the @EpicGames Store for iOS. We will keep you updated with details regarding the timing regulations. We will continue to argue before courts and regulatory bodies that Apple is breaking the law. https://t.co/MHh6EGVinC – Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) January 25, 2024
Although these upcoming changes will allow Epic Games to once again earn from iOS users (at least in Europe), CEO Tim Sweeney criticizes Cupertino for the “new fees charged for app downloads and new taxes on payments they don’t process.” Later, he accuses Apple of “arrogant rubbish” in the details, especially regarding the terms for obtaining permissions from Apple. “What theoretical antimonopoly regulations tolerate a monopolist deciding who can compete with them and on what terms? Apple is mocking the free market,” said Sweeney in a post on X. The angry tone is not surprising, especially after the Supreme Court of the United States rejected Epic’s appeal regarding Apple’s alleged violation of federal antitrust laws earlier this month.
FAQ:
1. When will Fortnite be restored on iPhones and iPads in Europe?
Fortnite will be restored on iOS devices in Europe in 2024.
2. What were the reasons for removing Fortnite from the App Store in August 2020?
Fortnite was removed from the App Store by Apple in August 2020 after Epic Games offered discounts on payments made directly in their store, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission.
3. What are the new regulations of the European Union that enable the return of Fortnite to iOS devices?
Thanks to the Digital Markets Act regulations of the European Union, developers will be able to process payments and distribute apps outside of the App Store, with Apple’s permission.
4. What are the new fees introduced by Apple for app developers?
Apple is introducing a new fee structure that will be cheaper or the same for most developers publishing their apps on European markets.
5. What accusations does Tim Sweeney make against Apple?
Tim Sweeney criticizes Apple for the new fees charged for app downloads and new taxes on payments. He also accuses Apple of being a monopolist that decides which companies can compete with them and on what terms.
6. How is Epic Games responding to these changes?
Epic Games will continue to argue before courts and regulatory bodies that Apple is breaking the law.
Key language terms:
– App Store – Apple’s store where iOS users can download and update applications.
– Google Play – Google’s store where Android users can download and update applications.
– Xbox Cloud Gaming – Microsoft’s game streaming service that allows playing games on mobile devices from the Xbox console.
– GeForce Now – NVIDIA’s game streaming service that enables playing games on various platforms, including mobile devices.
Recommended related links:
– Apple homepage
– Epic Games Store homepage
The source of the article is from the blog mivalle.net.ar