Fortnite returning to iOS says Epic as Apple agrees to "alternative app marketplaces" in EU

Fortnite developer Epic Games says it’ll be launching a native iOS version of the Epic Games Store – and bringing Fortnite back to iOS devices – following today’s announcement that Apple will soon allow sideloading and alternate marketplaces on its devices to comply with new EU rules. That’s as Epic boss Tim Sweeney calls Apple’s revised guidelines “hot garbage”.

The iPhone maker revealed sweeping revisions to its App Store guidelines – including confirmation it’ll allow developers to submit game streaming apps for the first time – earlier today, albeit with little grace. In a press release announcing the changes, it referenced the “new risks the [Digital Markets Act] poses to EU users”, and insisted the new EU-mandated options “for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats.”

Apple also says complying with the rules will mean it “has less ability to address other risks — including apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse, or that expose users to illicit, objectionable, or harmful content.”

Despite Apple objections, users in all 27 EU countries will, starting in March, have the option to download apps from what Apple is referring to as “alternative app marketplaces” – essentially third-party app stores. The steps developers must take, however, are a little more complex. For starters, Apple is insisting all iOS apps – regardless of where they’re distributed from – must be notarised in the name of “platform integrity and protecting users”. It’s also insisting it approves all developers via authorisation before they can operate their own stores.