iPhone users in the European Union can now access the Epic Games Store, thanks to a new EU law that requires Apple to allow third-party app stores. This means Fortnite is once again available for download on iPhones in the EU.
How to Get the Epic Games Store
To get the Epic Games Store, just visit the store’s page on your device. Initially, the store offers a small selection of games, including popular titles like Fortnite and Fall Guys, but Epic plans to expand the library over time. Their goal is to reach 100 million mobile downloads by the end of the year, across both iOS and Android.
Epic’s Ongoing Battle with Apple
Epic Games has long supported alternative app stores and opposed Apple’s control over iOS software. The conflict became widely known in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic bypassed Apple’s payment system.
Challenges with Apple’s Core Technology Fee
The EU’s Digital Markets Act has opened the door for change, but Epic is still pushing for more. Currently, Epic has to pay Apple a 50-cent fee for every install of the Epic Games Store, which is charged annually due to Apple’s Core Technology Fee. This fee also applies to apps within the Epic Games Store, meaning Epic must pay it again when users install Fortnite.
Support for AltStore PAL
Epic is also supporting the AltStore PAL app store, covering their Core Technology Fee so that users can download it for free.
Campaign for Unrestricted Platform Access
Epic, Spotify, and others are campaigning for unrestricted access to the platform. The EU is investigating whether Apple’s fees comply with the Digital Markets Act, but Apple continues to challenge these decisions.
Availability on iOS and Future Plans
For now, alternative app stores are only available on iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later. The feature will be available on iPads with the release of iPadOS 18, and Epic plans to bring the Epic Games Store to Japan in 2025.
