After more than four years of absence, Epic Games’ mobile titles, including Fortnite, are making a comeback on Android devices worldwide through a dedicated Epic Games Store, the company announced on Friday. However, on iPhones, only gamers in the European Union will have access to the Epic Games Store on mobile.
Currently, the Epic Games Store or third-party EU app stores like AltStore PAL are the primary ways to download Fortnite on mobile devices. In 2022, Epic found a workaround to offer Fortnite on iOS through the Safari browser for users with Nvidia GeForce Now accounts. Despite this, many gamers prefer a dedicated app experience over a browser.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act compelled Apple to allow Epic to launch its store on iOS devices in the region. However, Epic is dissatisfied with the installation process, which is controlled by Apple and Google.
Epic criticized Apple and Google for creating intentionally poor-quality install experiences with multiple steps, confusing device settings, and scare screens. The company is actively fighting in courts and collaborating with regulators globally to eliminate anticompetitive terms imposed by Apple and Google on developers and consumers.
EU Markets Commissioner Applauds Epic Games Store News
Thierry Breton, the EU’s markets commissioner, praised the Epic Games Store’s return to iOS devices in the EU, stating, “Yes, gamers, Europe means more freedom and choice!”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his satisfaction with the news, highlighting that while Fortnite is now available on iOS in Europe, Apple continues to restrict access for billions of players worldwide.
Epic Games Store’s Mobile Offering
Although not as extensive as its PC counterpart with nearly 3,000 games, Epic’s mobile store features popular titles such as Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. The company plans to allow third-party developers to launch their games on the mobile store in the future.
Fortnite’s mobile version initially launched in 2018, a year after the PC release. However, it was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores in 2020 due to Epic Games’ protest against Apple’s 30% commission on in-app sales and restrictions on developer communications. Apple and Google maintain that these rules are essential for user security.