Epic Games will be able to launch its own app store on Apple devices under a new EU rule aimed at increasing competition.
Currently, iPhone users may only download apps via Apple’s App Store.
Apple must, however, allow customers to access rival app stores on iOS devices purchased in the EU beginning in March.
Apple has consistently said that its policies ensure users’ security.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Fortnite commented, “Remember Fortnite on iOS? “How about we bring that back?”
It concluded, “Apple, the world is watching.”
Epic Games notably removed the popular game Fortnite from the App Store after clashing with Apple’s standards. It hasn’t been available in the App Store since 2020, however you can play it online.
Apple was accused of forming a monopoly by forcing users and developers to utilize its own channels and charging developers up to 30% commission.
It has resulted in the exclusion of developers that either do not fulfill Apple’s App Store standards or refuse to pay its fees from the millions of users who use Apple devices.
Fortnite’s X tweet also stated, “Shoutout DMA – an important new law in the EU making this possible.”
This pertains to the implementation of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The new law’s goal is to control the largest corporations that act as gatekeepers to services like search engines and app stores, in order to make the market more equitable for established enterprises and smaller firms.
The measures will not apply in the UK at this time, but the UK’s Digital Markets Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament, is expected to subject Apple’s activities to comparable regulatory scrutiny.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated there was a lot of “hot garbage in Apple’s announcement” on X.
He cited “junk fees on downloads” as an example.
He may be referring to the core technology fee, which is charged to creators of apps downloaded by more than a million people.
Developers will be required to pay €0.50 for each user who installs their app after the first million downloads.
This is a fee charged to app developers rather than customers.
