Epic Games Store Is Coming to Apple Devices in Europe
Apple finally approved the Epic Games Store notarization submission, letting it put Fortnite and the game store back to iPhone and iPad in the EU.
2024-07-12
Epic Games Store is set to launch on iOS devices in Europe, marking a significant shift in Apple's App Store policies due to EU regulations. After a prolonged legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, a breakthrough has finally been achieved.
The Epic Games Store will soon be available on iOS devices in Europe, thanks to new regulations enforced by the European Union. This development marks a significant shift in Apple's App Store policies and opens up new possibilities for app distribution on iOS devices.
In Short
- Apple's approval: After initially rejecting the app twice, Apple has given the green light for the Epic Games Store to be available on iOS devices in Europe.
- Limited availability: The approval is currently limited to the European Union and is considered temporary by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.
- Legal background: This development follows a long-standing legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple over app store policies and in-app purchase restrictions.
- EU regulations: The approval comes in the wake of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on its platform in Europe.
- App content: The Epic Games Store will include popular titles like Fortnite, which was previously removed from the App Store due to the legal conflict.
- Launch timeline: While approved, no specific launch date for the Epic Games Store on iOS has been announced yet.
Apple Approves Epic Games Store App to Launch on iOS in the EU
Apple has finally approved Epic Games' application to launch its third-party app marketplace on iOS in Europe. This decision comes after initially rejecting the application twice, citing similarities in button designs between Epic's app and Apple's App Store.
The approval is largely due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, which requires tech giants like Apple to allow third-party app stores on their platforms. Similar legislation, such as the UK's Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act, is also influencing these changes in other regions.
Fortnite's Potential Return to iPhones and iPads in Europe
This development paves the way for Fortnite, Epic's popular battle royale game, to potentially return to iOS devices. Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 due to a dispute over in-app payment systems. While the Epic Games Store is expected to launch on iOS in Europe later this year, Fortnite's availability on iPhones in the UK is projected for the second half of 2025.
Implications and Challenges
- Broader App Ecosystem: The introduction of alternative app stores could significantly change the iOS app ecosystem, offering developers new distribution channels.
- Ongoing Disputes: Despite this progress, Epic Games and Apple continue to have disagreements over various aspects of app distribution and payment systems.
- Regional Differences: The availability of the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS will vary by region, with Europe leading the way due to its regulatory environment.
Conclusion
The approval of the Epic Games Store for iOS devices in Europe represents a major shift in the mobile app distribution landscape. While this development is currently limited to specific regions due to regulatory pressures, it could potentially lead to broader changes in how apps are distributed on iOS devices globally. As the situation evolves, both developers and consumers will be watching closely to see how this impacts the mobile app ecosystem.
This development represents a significant change in Apple's typically closed ecosystem and may pave the way for more third-party app stores on iOS devices, at least in Europe. However, the ongoing tension between Epic and Apple suggests that challenges may continue as they navigate this new landscape.
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