Epic Games Halts Fortnite Return to iOS in Japan Amid Apple Dispute

Fortnite will not return to iOS devices in Japan in 2025 as originally planned. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has confirmed the delay, citing what he describes as Apple’s “obstruction and lawbreaking” in response to new Japanese regulations.

The Conflict Over Fees

The controversy stems from Apple’s implementation of changes required by Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). While Apple was mandated to open its ecosystem to competing app stores by December 18, 2025, Sweeney alleges the tech giant has introduced punitive fees that make competition impossible.

According to Sweeney, Apple is imposing a “junk fee” of 21% on third-party in-app payments and 15% on web-based purchases. Additionally, a new 5% fee is reportedly being levied on all revenue from apps distributed through competing stores. Sweeney argues these costs, combined with mandatory reporting APIs and misleading warning screens for users, are designed to crush competition before it begins.

“Apple Chose Poorly”

In a series of posts on social media, the Epic Games boss did not mince words. “Sadly, Fortnite will not return to iOS in Japan in 2025 as promised,” Sweeney wrote. “Apple was required to open up iOS to competing stores… and instead of doing so honestly, they have launched another travesty of obstruction and lawbreaking in gross disrespect to the government and people of Japan.”

Epic Games intends to file formal complaints with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission regarding these new policies. This development marks the latest chapter in the years-long legal and public battle between the two companies over app store monopolies and revenue sharing.