Epic Games announced that their popular game Fortnite will return to iOS devices in Brazil this July following a historic court ruling that requires Apple to allow sideloading in the country. This decision, issued by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense of Brazil (CADE), forces Apple to lift restrictions on third-party app stores and alternative payment methods.

Epic Games achieved an important victory in the battle against Apple

This move marked a significant victory for Epic Games in the ongoing dispute with App Store policies. Since 2022, Apple has been under close scrutiny by Brazilian regulators due to antitrust accusations, leading to last week's court decision that gives the company 90 days to comply. If Apple complies by June, Fortnite will be available to iPhone and iPad users in Brazil through the Epic Games Store in July.

Brazil follows the EU in changing App Store rules

Brazil's decision follows regulatory changes in the European Union, where Apple was forced to allow third-party app stores under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In August 2024, Epic Games had already returned Fortnite and the mobile Epic Games Store to iOS in the EU, setting a precedent for similar changes in Brazil.

Brazilian authorities recognized that Apple had already complied with similar requirements in Europe, and a judge in the case stated:

"Apple has already complied with similar obligations in other countries without demonstrating significant impact or irreparable harm to its economic model."

Despite this, Apple plans to appeal the decision, seeking to delay or alter the requirements.

Impact on iOS users and the mobile gaming industry

For gamers in Brazil, this decision will end the nearly five-year ban on Fortnite for iOS, which began in August 2020 when Apple removed the game due to Epic Games violating App Store rules. Since then, players could only access the game through cloud gaming.

With the return of Fortnite via the Epic Games Store, users will also gain the ability to make alternative payments, reducing dependence on Apple's payment system. This could pave the way for other developers to offer direct downloads and payments, increasing competition in the mobile gaming and app distribution sector.

Apple faces increasing global pressure

Apple is facing growing regulatory pressure not only in Brazil and the EU. In November 2024, the Brazilian antitrust authority (CADE) required the company to make significant changes to the App Store within 20 days, or face daily fines of $43,000. Apple temporarily secured a reprieve in December, but the latest decision firmly establishes the requirement to allow sideloading and alternative payment systems.

Additionally, Epic Games hinted that Fortnite might return to Japan and the UK later this year, which could signal global changes in App Store rules. Thus, the decision in Brazil could be another step towards opening iOS to third-party app stores in various regions.

What's next for Apple and the Epic Game Store?

While Epic Games confirmed the return of Fortnite to iOS in Brazil in July, the exact process for downloading the game has yet to be disclosed. If Apple complies with the requirements, players will likely be able to download the game through the Epic Games Store, similar to how it works in the EU.

Despite the ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games, the decision in Brazil could accelerate similar changes in other countries. Meanwhile, iPhone and iPad users in Brazil can prepare for the return of Fortnite, marking a significant victory in the battle for a free app market.