Epic doesn’t have quite a bit to share about its plans simply but. It says the shop will launch “later this 12 months,” and Fortnite shall be accessible by way of it. Each will solely be accessible in components of Europe lined by the Digital Markets Act. “Keep tuned for particulars as we determine the regulatory timeline,” it mentioned in a submit on X (previously Twitter), including that “we’ll proceed to argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the legislation.”
Fortnite hasn’t been accessible on iOS for greater than three years, after Apple kicked the sport off and banned Epic for sneaking in third-party in-app funds. (Epic subsequently sued Apple over it in a case that simply wrapped up final week; Epic largely misplaced.)
Apple nonetheless has some oversight of third-party app shops, which suggests it’s attainable Epic might run into points with the launch.
Epic has mentioned for years that it want to convey its sport retailer, which is at present accessible for Home windows and macOS, to the iPhone. The shop takes a smaller minimize of charges than Apple’s App Retailer, which might make it a compelling choice for builders if Epic can achieve traction.
We’re about to see a wave of bulletins of third-party app shops for iOS after Apple introduced as we speak that they might be allowed in Europe underneath its new guidelines. Epic is likely one of the first out the gate. AltStore has introduced plans to launch, too.