## Epic Plans to Bring ‘Fortnite’ Back to iPhone via Alternative EU App Store
**Awaiting approvals, the Epic Games Store will launch soon.**
### A New Era for ‘Fortnite’ on iPhone
Great news for European Union “Fortnite” fans: Epic Games is preparing to reintroduce the game on the iPhone through its own app store. This step comes as the company adapts to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Apple’s strict policies.
### Epic Games’ Compliance and Strategy
Epic Games has informed its followers on X.com that it has submitted both the Epic Games Store and the updated Fortnite app to Apple for the required notarization process. Despite previously opposing many of Apple’s rules regarding alternative app stores, Epic Games is complying with these requirements for the time being to bring “Fortnite” back to iOS users.
### Impact of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has changed the playing field for third-party developers, requiring Apple to open its platforms with minimal restrictions. However, Apple still has the power to review third-party apps and app stores to ensure they comply with its security and privacy standards.
Under this directive, apps must be “notarized” by Apple to verify their validity and compliance with these standards before they can be offered outside the official Apple App Store. This has been a contentious issue for Epic Games and other developers like Spotify, who have criticized these requirements.
### Controversy Over the Core Technology Fee (CTF)
One of the more debated aspects of Apple’s policies is the Core Technology Fee (CTF). For developers selling through alternative app stores, the CTF is a royalty paid to Apple after an app reaches its first million installs. The fee is currently set at 0.5 Euro (about 54 cents US) per install. While there is an exception for free apps, this fee applies to every new download beyond the first million, even for third-party app stores.
Epic’s new app store will also be subject to this fee structure. This means that after surpassing the first million installs, Epic would owe Apple half a Euro for each subsequent download. These charges have led to complaints from other alternative app store owners, such as Riley Testut of AltStore, who have taken their issues to the European Union.
### Apple’s Response and Adaptations
Apple defends the Core Technology Fee as a necessary cost for using its technology and notarization services, which guarantee that all apps sold on its platforms meet specific standards of functionality and security. Despite criticism and legal challenges from companies like Epic Games, Apple maintains that these fees are crucial for maintaining a secure ecosystem.
### Conclusion
Bringing “Fortnite” back to iPhone through an alternative app store is a significant step in the ongoing conflict between Epic Games and Apple. As the European Union continues to review Apple’s policies, the future of app distribution on iOS devices remains uncertain.
### Question & Answer Session
**Q1: What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?**
A1: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a set of regulations by the European Union to ensure fair competition, requiring major tech companies like Apple to open their platforms to third-party developers with minimal restrictions.
**Q2: What is the Core Technology Fee (CTF)?**
A2: The Core Technology Fee (CTF) is a royalty fee paid to Apple by developers using alternative app stores. This fee applies after an app reaches one million installs and is currently set at 0.5 Euro per install.
**Q3: How has Epic Games adhered to Apple’s requirements?**
A3: Epic Games has submitted its Epic Games Store and an updated version of “Fortnite” to Apple for notarization, complying with Apple’s rules for alternative app stores and app submissions.
**Q4: Why was Epic Games banned from the Apple App Store?**
A4: Epic Games was banned from the Apple App Store after deliberately violating Apple’s rules. The company temporarily lost its developer license but has had it restored following the introduction of the DMA.
**Q5: What issues have been raised against Apple’s policies?**
A5: Issues include Apple’s stringent requirements for alternative app stores and the Core Technology Fee. Developers like Spotify and Riley Testut have voiced their objections, leading to investigations by the European Union.
**Q6: How does Apple justify the Core Technology Fee?**
A6: Apple justifies the Core Technology Fee as necessary for leveraging its technology and notarization services, which ensure all apps sold on its platforms meet specific functionality and security standards.
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