The Epic Games Store is now accessible on iOS devices in the EU and on Android devices globally. The store debuts with three major games, Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, all of which are now available for mobile devices.
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The launch is made possible in part by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has forced Apple to allow third-party app stores on its devices within the EU.
European iPhone users can now download the Epic Games Store. However due to Apple’s restrictive practices, the installation process is more complex than users might expect.
Android users across the globe can also access the Epic Games Store. Similar to iOS, the installation process is hindered by Google’s imposed restrictions.
Epic Games has provided detailed guides for both iOS and Android users to navigate the installation process, which involves overcoming multiple steps, device settings and scare screens introduced by Apple and Google.
Fortnite, the popular battle royale game returns to iOS for the first time in over four years. Rocket League Sideswipe: This mobile version of the hit game Rocket League offers a unique, fast-paced soccer experience with cars.
Fall Guys, the multiplayer party game makes its debut on mobile. Chapter 5, Season 4 of Fortnite, the latest season, titled Absolute Doom, launches simultaneously allowing players to enjoy new content on mobile and across other platforms.
Apple continues to block the Epic Games Store on iOS, limiting access to Fortnite and other Epic titles.
The company has implemented a difficult installation process filled with scare screens and complex settings to dissuade users from installing third-party app stores.
Google has similarly made the installation of the Epic Games Store on Android a complicated process with multiple steps designed to confuse users and deter them from using alternative app stores.
Epic Games is fighting in courts worldwide to challenge the anticompetitive terms imposed by Apple and Google.
These terms, which include mandatory fees and restrictions on third-party app stores, have long stifled competition and consumer choice in the mobile ecosystem.
Epic Games is partnering with independent mobile stores to expand its reach. Starting with AltStore PAL, Epic’s games are now available on this store for iOS users in the EU.
Epic Games has plans to bring its titles to other third-party app stores including Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and ONE Store on Android.
Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games expressed gratitude to the European Commission for the DMA law, which has enabled the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS devices in the EU.
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The reintroduction of Fortnite on iOS is not a phenomenon but is restricted to the EU due to the enforced Digital Markets Act. The DMA, which came into effect in March 2024 mandates that large tech companies like Apple, must allow third-party app stores on their platforms.
While several alternative app stores have been introduced since the EU’s compliance deadline in March, none have managed to make an impact.
The Epic Games Store with its catalog of popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, has the potential to draw a large user base, which could, in turn, encourage other developers to embrace third-party app stores.
The process of installing the Epic Games Store on iOS devices remains cumbersome. Users must go through multiple steps including updating their devices to iOS 17.6 (despite the FAQ suggesting 17.4) and following a dozen or so screen interactions.
While Epic Games has provided clear instructions to guide users through the installation process. On Android devices, the process is more streamlined, requiring only eight screen interactions, but it remains far from seamless.
Other third-party app stores like Setapp Mobile, Mobivention, Aptoide and AltStore PAL have entered the market. However these platforms have faced challenges.
Setapp Mobile is still in closed beta, Mobivention is focused on business-to-business (B2B) applications, Aptoide has limited its daily user additions and AltStore PAL has struggled with app notarization.
Apple, which earns an estimated $70 billion annually from the App Store is not expected to relinquish its dominance without a fight.
The company has introduced new rules that allow it to take a cut from off-platform sales, which could make third-party app stores less appealing to developers.
Apple’s stringent security warnings and the complex installation processes for third-party app stores are likely designed to dissuade users from venturing outside the official App Store.
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