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

Fortnite maker 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 announced sweeping revisions to its App Store rules — 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 DMA 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.»

It 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.»

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Despite Apple objections, starting in March, users in all 27 EU countries will have the option to download apps from what Apple is referring to as «alternative app marketplaces» — essentially third-party app stores. The steps for developers, 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 marketplace developers via authorisation before they can operate their own stores.

Furthermore, Apple says developers wanting to make use of alternative distribution methods or alternative payment processing as per the EU rules must agree to adopt new business terms. While