Apple has announced significant changes to app distribution on the iOS App Store in the EU, allowing alternative app stores to operate on its mobile operating system. While this change currently only applies to the 27 EU member states, it opens the door for Epic Games’ popular title Fortnite to make a comeback.
Epic Games has confirmed its intention to introduce the Epic Games Store to iOS later this year, offering the popular battle royale game. The official launch date for the iOS games store has not been provided yet.
This development is noteworthy given the past conflict between Apple and Epic Games, particularly when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 due to violations of App Store policies that allowed users to bypass Apple’s payment system. An obstacle for the new Epic Games Store on iOS may be the need for approval from Apple, as the company will oversee third-party app stores.
Additionally, the new changes brought about by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) will permit game streaming apps on iOS, potentially allowing services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now to become available on iOS later this year.
Source (X.com)
