" iPhones will once again host the return of Fortnite"
Apple has announced a series of significant changes to its iOS, Safari, and App Store, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). These changes include the opening of iOS to third-party app stores and third-party payment options, as well as restructuring of the App Store fees and rules.
From March 2024, iOS users in the EU will be able to install apps from alternative app stores. This means that companies like Epic Games can bring the Epic Games Store and Fortnite to iOS in Europe. Apple has removed its anti-steering rules, allowing developers to promote and direct users to external purchase methods outside Apple’s ecosystem without restrictions or added fees.
In terms of payment and fees, Apple has introduced a two-tier App Store fee system for EU developers:
- Tier 1 (lower cost, 5% revenue fee) excludes features like app ratings, reviews, featuring, marketing, and auto-updates.
- Tier 2 (full features) costs 13% (10% for Small Business Program participants).
Additionally, Apple charges a 2% initial acquisition fee and a 5% Core Technology Commission (CTC), which replaced the previously controversial Core Technology Fee that charged per app install after one million installs annually.
Apple has also granted more access to its services, allowing apps to host mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and other plug-ins on iOS. The company has also made it possible for apps to use Apple's in-app purchase system to sell content on iOS.
The ability to set a browser engine other than Safari's WebKit as the default is among the changes announced by Apple. However, users are warned about potential risks associated with the new options, including scams, fraud, abuse, and exposure to illicit, objectionable, or harmful content.
The new changes and APIs are currently only available in the iOS 17.4 beta. The full implementation of the changes will start in March 2024 across the 27 EU countries. This means that games like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass will soon be available on the iPhone.
These changes have caused concerns among some developers, and Apple has held compliance workshops with the European Commission throughout 2025 to defend its changes while stressing its commitment to privacy, security, and innovation.
For more information about the upcoming changes, developers and users can visit the Developer Support page. Epic Games celebrated the news by sharing on Twitter that Fortnite is returning to iOS.
- With the changes coming to iOS in March 2024, Epic Games can potentially bring the Epic Games Store and Fortnite to iOS devices in Europe, as Apple has opened the platform to third-party app stores.
- Apple's new two-tier App Store fee system for EU developers offers a lower cost (5%) for Tier 1, excluding features like app ratings, reviews, featuring, marketing, and auto-updates, while Tier 2 (13%, or 10% for Small Business Program participants) provides full features.
- In the future, tech enthusiasts may enjoy gaming services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass on their smartphones, as these changes will allow games to be available on iPhones starting from March 2024.
