Epic Game’s Fortnite Could Return to iOS Soon as Apple Makes a U-Turn on App Store Policy

The ongoing lawsuit between Apple, Google, and Epic has sparked a lot of tension and spelled a lot of trouble for fans of the iOS and Android versions of the game. However, in this case, the recent developments might come as a ray of hope for Fortnite to return to iOS.

Following years of growing regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges, Apple announced substantial changes to its App Store as part of a planned lawsuit settlement with developers.

According to a late Thursday press release, Apple will allow developers to inform iPhone, and iPad consumers about options to make purchases that are not available through the official App Store. It also broadens the pricing options available to developers for subscriptions, in-app purchases, and premium applications, among other initiatives. The deal, however, has to be authorized by the court.

U-Turn by Apple, Gain for Epic Games?

The change comes in response to a lawsuit filed by small software developers who claimed Apple’s price tiers and absence of outside purchase alternatives constituted a monopoly. Apple is also anticipating a decision filed by Epic Games in federal court in the Northern District of California over similar accusations.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), chair of the State Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, appreciated this move by Apple and said the following.

“This new action by Apple is a good first step towards addressing some of these competition concerns, but more must be done to ensure an open, competitive mobile app marketplace, including common-sense legislation to set rules of the road for dominant app stores.”

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For Apple, the planned changes might be minor. People are still unable to download iOS apps from third-party app shops or the web. No other app store sells iOS apps for iPhones and iPads. While app developers may now contact and SMS users who opt-in, they cannot add directions or links to outside payment alternatives in their applications. Its commissions on App Store purchases will stay unchanged.

Following this, the question remains; Will Fortnite eventually make a comeback to iOS devices?

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