The Comeback of a Gaming Icon
After nearly four years of absence, Fortnite—one of the most iconic mobile games in history—has returned to the iOS platform. But not for everyone. For now, the game is only available in certain European Union countries, thanks to newly enforced regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Fortnite was removed from the App Store in 2020 after Epic Games tried to circumvent Apple’s in-app payment system. That event marked the beginning of a multi-year standoff that wasn’t just about one game—it was about power, control, and the future of the iOS ecosystem.
The Legal Battle That Changed Apple’s Trajectory
When Epic introduced its own payment option within Fortnite, it knew Apple would retaliate—and Apple did, immediately delisting the game. But Epic was prepared. They filed a lawsuit within hours, launching a legal crusade that framed Apple as a monopolist controlling one of the most important digital platforms in the world.
Although the U.S. courts delivered a mixed ruling—granting Apple wins on most points while forcing it to allow some third-party links—the case ignited regulatory scrutiny worldwide. It became a catalyst for legislative efforts like the Digital Markets Act in the EU, which aims to curb the dominance of so-called “gatekeepers” like Apple.
The DMA: A Regulatory Earthquake
Effective from March 2024, the DMA requires Apple to:
Allow third-party app stores
Permit developers to use their own payment systems
Stop anti-steering practices (such as banning links to external websites)
In response, Apple announced support for “alternative marketplaces” on iOS—but with numerous caveats. These include:
Mandatory notarization of all apps
A controversial “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 per user/year
Complex compliance and security reviews
Despite these obstacles, Epic Games is one of the first major players to successfully re-enter iOS under these new conditions. In markets like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, users can now download Fortnite either through the App Store or directly via Epic’s new EU-specific app marketplace.
More Than Just Fortnite: A Tectonic Shift
While Fortnite garners headlines, the deeper story is Apple’s long-held “walled garden” beginning to crack.
Apple’s tight control over iOS has long been criticized for:
Charging high commissions (up to 30%)
Blocking alternative payment methods
Censoring or removing apps with little transparency
Making sideloading nearly impossible outside of jailbreak communities
Now, for the first time, developers have legal pathways to bypass Apple’s system—at least in the EU.
Other companies like Spotify, Microsoft, and even Meta have expressed interest in alternative app distribution channels. Some, like TopStore, have operated in this gray area for years—providing access to tweaked apps, emulators, and utilities not allowed on the App Store. While these platforms often rely on private or enterprise certificates (which Apple tries to revoke), they’ve grown increasingly popular among power users seeking freedom and functionality.
Why This Matters Globally
Although the DMA is EU-specific, the ripple effects are global. Regulators in South Korea, Japan, India, and even the United States are watching closely. If Apple’s concessions in the EU don’t erode its profits or ecosystem integrity, global expansion of such rules is inevitable.
Moreover, developers worldwide are rallying around a common idea: platform neutrality. The right to distribute apps outside official channels should be a developer’s choice—not a monopoly’s privilege.
Still Can’t Find Fortnite?
If Fortnite is still unavailable in your local App Store, you can always download it via TopStore—a third-party app platform that continues to support global sideloading options.
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