Fortnite’s long-awaited return to iOS just hit another roadblock. This time, it’s Japan.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says Fortnite will not launch on iPhone in Japan after all, despite earlier promises tied to the country’s new Mobile Software Competition Act. The reason, unsurprisingly, comes down to Apple’s fees and how the company chose to implement the law.
If this feels familiar, that’s because it is.
What Changed Since Epic’s Original Promise
Back in 2024, when Japan passed the MSCA, Sweeney confidently said Fortnite would arrive on iOS in Japan by late 2025. At the time, the law looked like it would finally loosen Apple’s grip on app distribution and payments.
Fast forward to now, and Apple’s actual rules are live. According to Epic, they make Fortnite’s return financially unrealistic.
Under Apple’s new framework in Japan:
- Apps distributed through alternative app marketplaces still owe Apple a 5 percent Core Technology Commission on revenue
- Apps linking out to the web for purchases through the App Store face a 15 percent commission
From Epic’s point of view, that leaves very little room for what it considers “real competition.”
Tim Sweeney Goes on the Offensive
Sweeney did not hold back. He accused Apple of failing to comply with Japan’s law honestly and described the new fees as “competition-crushing.” In his view, Apple is still acting as a gatekeeper, even when developers attempt to operate outside the App Store.
Epic now plans to formally raise complaints with Japan’s Fair Trade Commission, escalating the dispute beyond social media and into regulatory territory.
It is a familiar playbook, but Epic clearly believes Japan is worth fighting over.
Apple’s Side of the Story
Apple says it worked closely with Japanese regulators when shaping its MSCA compliance. The company argues that the law explicitly allows it to charge for access to its technology and to deny requests that could compromise privacy or security.
Suggested: Apple Can Charge Fees on External Payment Links After Appeals Court Modifies Epic Injunction
Apple has also suggested that Japan’s approach is more balanced than the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Unlike Europe, Japan does not require Apple to allow direct web-based app installs, which Apple claims helps reduce fraud, malware, and risks to children.
In short, Apple believes the five percent fee is reasonable and legal.
The EU Comparison Makes This More Complicated
Here’s where things get interesting.
Epic already operates the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU, where Apple currently charges a €0.50 Core Technology Fee per install. Starting in 2026, that fee will transition into a five percent commission, almost identical to Japan’s system.
That raises an awkward question. If Epic accepts similar terms in Europe, why is Japan a dealbreaker?
The answer likely comes down to scale, timing, and leverage, but it does make Epic’s stance harder to sell to the average user.
Worth checking out: AltStore Launches in Japan One Day After Apple Enables Alternative App Marketplaces
The Real Losers Are iPhone Users
For iPhone users in Japan, the outcome is simple and disappointing. Fortnite is not coming back anytime soon.
This situation also highlights a broader truth about app store regulation. Passing a law is one thing. How that law is implemented is what actually determines whether users see meaningful change.
For now, Apple keeps its fees, Epic keeps fighting, and Fortnite remains off the iPhone in yet another major market.
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