iOS 17.4 was released this week which enabled Marketplaces, or alternative app stores which opens up the option of having users download apps that may not be on the Apple App Store. This was exciting for Epic Games since it may finally be able to bring Fortnite back to iOS after its removal in 2020. It did so after Epic tried to bypass the app store completely in order to not pay the 30% commission. An Epic App store would theoretically let them bring back Fortnite, and although there are still associated costs with having in-game currency, it would have more control over how to do so.
Fortnite Almost Made it Back to iPhones
That dream was short lived, however, as Apple has just terminated Epic’s developer account completely, squashing any hopes of an Epic branded Apps store. The tech giant originally approved the account however this decision comes after Epic says in retaliation for their open criticism to Apple’s business model. To be fair it is a steep price to pay. If you need a refresher just watch my previous video about how those fees work.
Apple Ban Still Stands: For Now
Apple stated that Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries at any time under Apple discretion. Epic is stating this violates the DCA and so with that iPhone users are still out of luck about getting their favorite Epic Games and the 4 year court battle continues.