Apple reinstated Epic Games Sweden AB’s developer account on March 8, 2024, clearing the way for Epic to build its iOS marketplace and bring Fortnite to iPhones in the European Union. That did not put Fortnite back in Apple’s App Store: the planned route was Epic’s alternative marketplace. Fortnite later launched there in the EU in August 2024, and Epic says the game returned to the App Store in most markets worldwide in May 2026, with Australia still an exception.
What Apple reinstated—and what it did not
“Apple unbans Epic” was shorthand for a narrower event. Apple restored the developer account belonging to Epic Games Sweden AB, the company Epic intended to use for its European mobile operations. Apple did not then restore Fortnite to the App Store, reinstate every Epic developer account, or end the companies’ wider dispute. Epic’s March 2024 announcement describes the termination and reinstatement.
The background dates to August 2020, when Epic added a direct-payment option to Fortnite that bypassed Apple’s in-app payment rules. Apple removed the game from the App Store, and the companies’ disagreement grew into a legal and commercial fight over commissions, payment rules, developer access, and control of mobile distribution.
Why the EU created a different route
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) designated Apple as a gatekeeper for services including iOS and the App Store, and required changes that allow alternative app marketplaces under specified conditions. That gave Epic a route to distribute Fortnite without first returning to Apple’s App Store. The same DMA framework did not apply in the United States in 2024.
#1 Best Overall
- Bluetooth Controller for iPhone & Android: Mocagen mobile gaming controller Compatible with all iPhone models (including 18/17 series) and Android devices. Pairing steps: 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to the pairing screen. 2. Press and hold the Home button for 3 sec until LED4 flashes. 3. Find "XBOX Wireless Controller" on your phone and tap to pair. Quick reconnect: After first pairing, simply press the Home button once (with Bluetooth on) to reconnect
- Play Most Controller-Compatible Games: This iPhone game controller supports cloud gaming (e.g., Xb*x Game Pass, GeForce NOW), Xbox Remote Play, emulator games, and native mobile games (e.g., Apple Arcade). Enjoy effortless control and play Fortnite, Call of Duty, Roblox, Genshin Impact, and many more anytime, anywhere. Note: Controller only works with games that support controller input, and does not support PS Remote Play
- 5M-Cycle Lifespan & Zero Drift: MC1 mobile gaming controller features a Hall-effect joystick with a 5M cycle lifespan, 2.5x longer than standard carbon-film sticks. Its innovative electromagnetic induction technology ensures drift-free operation, enabling precise character control in intense games and significantly extending this phone game controller durability
- Ergonomic Grip Design: The handle is ergonomically shaped with a l*ser-engraved texture for anti-slip and enhanced grip, effectively reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. The scientifically designed joystick and button layout ensures smooth operation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it delivers a more comfortable and healthier gaming experience
- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
The geographic distinction matters: the DMA applies in the 27 EU member states, not automatically throughout Europe. The United Kingdom is outside that EU framework and has its own regulatory path. Epic later made its iOS store available in Japan as well, according to its regional availability guidance.
How the planned EU return worked
Epic’s 2024 plan was to distribute Fortnite through the Epic Games Store for iOS, an alternative marketplace, rather than through Apple’s App Store. Apple’s framework still required authorization for marketplaces and notarization checks for apps distributed outside its store. Users would install the authorized marketplace and get Fortnite through it; alternative distribution did not mean bypassing every Apple-controlled process.
Rank #2
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Apple’s EU rules also provide for alternative payment options and external purchase links, subject to applicable business terms. Those options were central to the dispute: Epic wanted to operate a competing store and offer alternatives to Apple’s traditional App Store payment arrangement. The DMA created a legal route for that competition, while Apple retained a role in marketplace authorization and app notarization. See Apple’s current developer requirements and its DMA overview.
What users should expect from an alternative marketplace
Installing from outside the App Store involves additional steps and warnings. Apple says its notarization and related safeguards are intended to check apps distributed through alternative channels; that is not the same review and distribution arrangement as the App Store. These safeguards do not establish that alternative marketplaces are inherently unsafe, but users do need to decide whether they trust both the marketplace operator and Apple’s controls.
Rank #3
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
- Apple says some services and features, including certain family-management functions, may not work identically for apps installed outside the App Store.
- The marketplace operator takes on ongoing responsibilities for developers and customer support.
- Epic says its iOS store is available in the EU and Japan, with different device restrictions in Japan. Eligibility depends on location and device conditions; consult Epic’s current Fortnite mobile page before installing.
- Epic says apps already installed from its store can continue to work and receive updates for up to 30 days after a user leaves the EU. After that, updates stop, although installed apps may still open.
Apple’s EU fees changed after the original announcement
The February 2024 coverage discussed Apple’s then-proposed €0.50 Core Technology Fee for first annual installs above one million. That is a historical description of the terms at the time, not a complete statement of Apple’s current EU charges. Apple’s developer documentation describes later changes, including a 5% Core Technology Fee applying from June 26, 2025, and revised charging treatment from January 1, 2026. Developers should check the current terms for their specific distribution and payment model rather than rely on the 2024 figure.
What happened after March 2024
- August 2020: Apple removed Fortnite after Epic introduced a payment option that bypassed Apple’s rules.
- March 6, 2024: Apple terminated Epic Games Sweden AB’s developer account.
- March 8, 2024: Apple committed to the European Commission to reinstate the account after Epic publicized the termination and the Commission said it would examine the matter.
- August 2024: Fortnite and the Epic Games Store launched on iOS in the EU through alternative distribution.
- May 2025: A separate submission dispute temporarily made Fortnite unavailable on iOS worldwide. Apple said it had asked Epic to submit an EU-only version; the episode was not simply the removal of a live EU marketplace version. Fortnite returned to the U.S. App Store on May 19–20, 2025. Contemporary coverage and the Associated Press account describe that dispute and return.
- May 19, 2026: Epic announced Fortnite was back on the App Store worldwide, while noting Australia had not yet been restored. Epic’s announcement is the latest dated account in this timeline.
Epic’s current support information says the Epic Games Store remains available on iOS in the EU and Japan, while its current Fortnite page lists App Store availability in other supported markets, with Australia excluded. Availability can change, so check Epic’s regional store guidance and iOS page for present eligibility.
Rank #4
- 【CONNECTION GUIDE】 ①Make sure the phone controller is NOT in charging before connected. ②Observe if the 4th LED on controller is flashing quickly (if flashing 1.2.3, it is incorrect), If not, press and hold the 'HOME' button to turn off the controller and then connect again: Open your bluetooth on mobile phone, then long press 'HOME' and the 4th light will flash quickly, then find corresponding Bluetooth name and connect.
- 【TIPS FOR IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER】 When the wireless phone controller encounters abnormal situations such as inability to connect/charge, joystick offset, you can try resetting it: poke the 'RESET' hole on the back of controller with a needle, and then restart the controller for iphone to solve most non quality problems
- 【TIPS FOR CLOUD GAMING CONTROLLER】 Please use this mobile game controller to play games on a high-speed and stable network. This is because cloud games have high network requirements and require a high-speed and low latency network environment to reduce latency caused by network congestion and enhance the gaming experience
- 【PLAY ANY CONTROLLER SUPPORTED APP GAMES】 The iphone game controller is designed to enjoy unstoppable gaming experience, work for iPhone/Android, support nearly all cloud gaming services including Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, GeForce NOW, MFi Apple Arcade & hundreds of popular mobile games like Call of Duty, Roblox, etc. The phone controller perfects your mobile gaming experience beyond a console by making it happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone
- 【WIRELESS IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER WITH HALL JOYSTICK】 Only hold on 'HOME', you can connect controller for iphone with phone via Bluetooth. The Hall effect joystick provide ultra precise control, No drift, No deadzone! It helps you gain dominant position of games faster and the performance and game experience has been improved qualitatively
Why the reinstatement still mattered
Restoring Epic Games Sweden AB’s account opened a practical path for a major game publisher to operate a competing iPhone storefront in the EU. But Apple continued to set authorization and notarization requirements, and the economics of alternative distribution remained contested. The 2024 reinstatement was an important step in the DMA-era distribution story—not a blanket end to the Apple–Epic conflict.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FULL SIZED CONTROLLER FORM FACTOR — Console performance meets mobile convenience for iPhone* and Android; play for extended periods in complete comfort and control with larger ergonomic handles that feel more natural to hold than standard mobile controllers (*iPhone 15 series and up)
- FULL SIZED TMR THUMBSTICKS — Perfect your aim with high-precision, anti-drift thumbsticks that are superior to Hall Effect designs
- DUAL MOUSE CLICK BACK BUTTONS — Enjoy the same ultra-responsive actuation found in our top gaming mice with 2 back buttons built into the controller’s ergonomic handles
- UNPARALLELED CASE COMPATIBILITY — Fits many popular phone cases thanks to an innovative USB C ‘island’ design and thicker depth clearance than other controllers
- POWERED BY THE RAZER NEXUS GAME LAUNCHER — Launch games, customize controls, record and share gameplay, and keep the controller updated with a free* app that can be brought up at the touch of a dedicated button. (*Razer Nexus does not require a fee/subscription, however some apps within Razer Nexus do)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
