It’s been a long and winding road, but Epic Games is finally able to bring its popular game store and Fortnite game back to iPhones in Europe.

In a surprise move, Apple reinstated Epic’s developer account, enabling the company to distribute apps on iOS devices again. This comes nearly three years after Apple originally banned Epic in 2020 at the height of a major legal battle over App Store fees and alleged anticompetitive behavior.

Epic’s return to iOS is thanks to new regulations in the European Union. As part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that went into effect this year, Apple is now required to allow third-party app stores on its devices for the first time. Epic announced earlier this year that it plans to launch its Epic Games Store on iOS in Europe this year to take advantage of these new rules.

“I’ll be the first to acknowledge a good faith move by Apple amidst our cataclysmic antitrust battle, in granting Epic Games Sweden AB a developer account for operating Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe under the Digital Markets Act,” said Epic CEO Tim Sweeney on X/Twitter.

This move represents a major shift for Apple’s traditionally closed iOS ecosystem. Since launching the App Store in 2008, Apple has maintained strict control over app distribution on its devices. But European regulators have accused the company of monopolistic practices, saying this “walled garden” stifles competition.

The multi-year legal fight between Apple and Epic came to symbolize this battle over app marketplaces. It began when Epic introduced a direct payment option in Fortnite to avoid Apple’s 30% commission fee, leading Apple to ban the game. Now, Epic has an opportunity to offer an alternative app store and payment processor to iOS users.

However, significant challenges remain. Apple is still charging high commissions to developers who sell apps outside of its App Store. This makes it financially difficult for other stores to compete. Epic’s Tim Sweeney has been vocal about Apple’s new fee structure, saying it continues to stifle competition.

While Epic’s return is a milestone, the fight for fair competition on iOS is far from over. But for now, European Fortnite fans can finally play on their iPhones again. And in the long-term, the EU’s action against Apple could fundamentally reshape the App Store’s grip on the iOS ecosystem.