Fortnite Is Not Coming Back to iOS in Japan in 2025, and Here’s Why

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed that Fortnite will not be returning to iOS in Japan in 2025, Despite earlier predictions that Apple would finally open iOS to real competition all around the world. Japan has officially required Apple to allow competing app stores on iOS. Instead of following the spirit of that ruling, Apple rolled out what Sweeney calls "Another round of Obstruction".

According to Tim, Apple technically complied, but only on paper. In reality, they introduced a set of fees and restrictions that make competing with the App Store nearly impossible.

Apple Gets Greedy

One of the biggest issues is the pricing model. Apple is charging a 21% fee on third-party in-app payments, plus 15% on purchases made through the web. That web fee is very relevant to this story because a US District Court already ruled this exact practice to be illegal. Meanwhile, this decision was already upheld by the 9th Circuit Court in the United States. While Apple lost that case, the same approach is now being attempted in Japan.

Apple also added new warning screens that pop up when users attempt to use non-Apple payment systems. According to Epic, these screens are designed to scare and trick users into thinking their privacy or financial cybersecurity is at risk, even when dealing with legitimate competitors. (Ex: Microsoft, Google, ) The message to consumers is clear, even if it is misleading.

Additionally, Apple is introducing a new 5% fee on all revenue from apps distributed through competing app stores. That means even if developers avoid the App Store entirely, Apple still takes a cut. Epic Games Ceo also says Apple plans on requiring detailed transaction reporting through a mandatory API, allowing it to monitor activity inside competitor platforms. From Epic’s perspective, that is a sting operation, not competition.

Tim Sweeney did not hold back while calling this, "Another sad day for developers and consumers". He made it clear that Epic believes real competition cannot exist when Apple controls the app ecosystem and actively works to keep rivals boxed up. Epic plans to raise these concerns with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission, which means this situation is far from over.

For now, the result is simple. Fortnite stays off iOS in Japan, not because Epic Games changed its mind, but because Apple chose control over competition. AGAIN!

If you care about open platforms, freedom for developers, and consumer choice, this is one of those moments worth paying attention to.

For more updates, follow Mr Tim Sweeney on X (Twitter) and stay up to date with the RackGenius Blog!