For the first time since August 2020, Fortnite has returned to iOS, bringing back the excitement and engagement you remember – but a lot has changed in the intervening years.
After years of litigation, rumors, and the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic Games has finally relaunched its flagship title through the newly opened Epic Games Store for iOS and Android. In addition, Fortnite is also available through third-party marketplace AltStore PAL.
There are some limitations, however. While Android users worldwide can download the Epic Games Store for free, only iPhone users in the EU can do so. This is thanks to the DMA, which loosened Apple’s once iron-clad grip on its ecosystem. The launch of the Epic Games Store hints at the potential of these new regulations and could be a defining moment for third-party app stores on iOS.
A change in the app store landscape
Since the EU’s March deadline, four alternative app stores have emerged, but none have had a significant impact. Setapp Mobile continues to expand its offerings but is still in closed beta; Mobivention is primarily aimed at B2B customers; Aptoide’s rollout was limited, allowing only 500 additional users per day; and AltStore PAL has struggled to get apps officially recognized.
However, the launch of the Epic Games Store could change everything. With a catalog that includes global sensations like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League, Epic Games could be the catalyst that sparks widespread interest in alternative app stores.
How to install the Epic Games Store
Getting the Epic Games Store on your iPhone in the EU is relatively straightforward, but it does require several steps. New users may find the process overwhelming, but Epic provides clear and straightforward instructions to guide you. One minor issue is the mention in the FAQs that the store can be installed on phones running “iOS 17.4 or later,” when in fact you need to update to 17.6.
Once installed, the store launches with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and a mobile version of Fall Guys. Installing games is as easy as tapping “Install” and you’re back in the world of Fortnite. Gameplay on iOS is seamless, and there are no issues with responsiveness, network connectivity, or graphics. The experience is top-notch, and you’ll wonder why it took so long to be able to play Fortnite this way again.
The installation process on Android is similar, but requires fewer steps. After about eight screen interactions, you’re ready to dive into the action. Playing Fortnite on Android is just as smooth, though the experience may vary depending on your device’s hardware. Gameplay remains consistently engaging, whether on an older Google Pixel 5 or a more powerful iPhone Pro Max 13.
While the Epic Games Store is currently the most polished option, you can access these games through AltStore PAL. Installing AltStore PAL on iOS is a bit more complicated, however, as it requires adding “sources” – URLs containing JSON files that contain app metadata. This sounds complicated, but it’s as simple as adding a link and selecting apps from a list. It’s even easier for Epic Games titles, as they’re included in AltStore PAL’s recommended sources.
Once you add Epic Games as a source, downloading and installing games is easy. While AltStore PAL gets the job done, the Epic Games Store offers a more refined experience, complete with upcoming features like parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to age-inappropriate content and cap spending.
A possible turning point
Epic Games is supporting alternative app stores in a way that could benefit everyone, including the company itself, as long as the company can convince users to move beyond the traditional boundaries of Big Tech ecosystems.
Recently, Epic awarded AltStore PAL a “MegaGrant,” making it more accessible for use and increasing its chances of mainstream adoption. Since AltStore PAL doesn’t host apps, it doesn’t get a cut of sales, allowing Epic to distribute its games without losing revenue to third parties. This move could be a strategic PR move as Epic tries to curry favor with EU, UK and US regulators investigating antitrust complaints against Apple and Google.
Whatever the motivations, the market has long needed a major player that can attract a wide audience. With its powerful portfolio, Epic Games could be the one to do it. Should these third-party app stores attract a significant user base, more developers could join in, especially those who prefer to pay Epic’s 12 percent commission rather than Apple’s 30 percent.
However, Apple is not taking this threat lightly. Last week, the company introduced new rules to get a share of off-platform sales, making third-party app stores less attractive to developers. It will also be difficult to convince users to use these stores, given the numerous warnings Apple displays during installation.
Apple’s dominance in the app store market is at stake, and with its App Store generating an estimated $70 billion in annual revenue, the company will fight hard to maintain its position.
Epic Games has set the stage for a change in the iOS market, and the company is now waiting to see if it can really challenge Apple’s dominance.
