Fortnite is set to make a triumphant return to iOS devices in 2024, exclusively in European Union countries. This exciting development is made possible by a new EU regulation called the Digital Markets Act, scheduled to come into effect in March. The release of Fortnite for iOS in the EU is highly anticipated by fans.
In a legal battle over in-app purchases, Fortnite was removed from Apple's App Store in August 2020. Since then, the game has been unavailable on the platform, and Epic has been unable to provide updates for existing users. However, workarounds such as cloud-gaming services have allowed iOS users to stream the current version of Fortnite to their devices. Despite these challenges, the potential reinstatement of Fortnite on the App Store has generated significant excitement among fans.
Epic Games recently announced via Twitter that Fortnite will be returning to iOS devices in the European Union later this year, thanks to the Digital Markets Act. With the implementation of the DMA in March, iOS users in the EU will be able to download Fortnite through the upcoming Epic Games Store for iOS, ushering in a new era for the game on Apple's platform. It is expected that this will be a fully updated version of Fortnite that will continue to receive regular updates as it did before the dispute between Epic and Apple in 2020. Apple has already taken steps to oppose the DMA, proposing new terms to ensure it continues to receive revenue from non-App Store downloads.
The timing of the DMA's implementation in March aligns with the anticipated launch of Chapter 5 Season 2 of Fortnite, expected to debut in the same month. Leaks suggest that this update will feature a Greek mythology theme and may introduce new movement mechanics, such as rope swinging.
Following the initial legal clash, Epic took jabs at Apple in its marketing efforts. It introduced an Apple-themed in-game character that appeared to be a disgruntled, bookish individual dressed in dull attire. Additionally, Epic released an advertisement parodying Apple's iconic 1984-inspired commercial from the 1980s, depicting Apple as the antagonist in the ad's 1984-esque narrative.
Epic also had a contentious relationship with Google, with reports indicating that Google offered the creator of Fortnite $147 million in 2018 to bring the game to the Play Store. However, Epic declined the offer and opted to launch Fortnite on Android devices through its own third-party store, before eventually releasing it on the Play Store. Nonetheless, in 2020, Google followed Apple's lead in removing Fortnite from the Play Store. Unlike iOS users, Android fans could still access the game through Epic's third-party store.