Epic Games Store Launches on iPhones in Japan Despite Apple’s Non-Compliance

 

Today, we announced that the Epic Games Store is available for download on iPhones in Japan with Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe. This comes after the Japanese government passed the Mobile Software Competition Act, requiring Apple to open up iOS devices to third party app stores. 

Players can download the Epic Games Store directly from Epic’s website by following the instructions here.

Apple continues to intentionally make it hard for third party app stores to compete with the App Store on iPhones and is blocking third party stores on iPads. We urge the Japan Fair Trade Commission to rigorously enforce the law and prohibit Apple from imposing illegal fees and friction that harm consumers and competition.

Onerous Fees for Apps Downloaded Outside the App Store 

Apple charges a Core Technology Commission of 5% on any purchase made in apps that are downloaded from third party stores. Apple also requires developers to track and report all transactions, even those that are not completed. This creates confusion and costs that deter developers from launching on competing app stores. As a result, we are not launching with apps from other developers on the Store. 

9-Step Install Flow Creates More Friction for Japanese Consumers

When we launched the Epic Games Store in Europe, Apple required a 15-step installation process. After pressure from regulators, Apple reduced that to 6 screens which led to a 60% decrease in player drop-off during attempts to install the Epic Game Store. However, in Japan, Apple is imposing three additional screens on developers and consumers, creating more hurdles for competition and choice.

We are continuing to work with regulators in Japan to end these anticompetitive practices so developers and consumers can benefit from the law. The Epic Games Store is available on Android devices globally and on iOS devices in the EU and we’ll bring it to Brazil in June. 

Japan iOS Install Flow