Third-party app stores will appear on iOS in Japan
The Japanese authorities have enacted a law prohibiting tech giants like Apple and Google from restricting the distribution of apps on their platforms. In compliance with the law, Apple will have to allow third-party app stores on iOS devices in the country.
The law also requires Apple and Google to allow developers in Japan to use alternative payment systems.
As reported by Kyodo News, the law will come into effect in 2025. Companies that violate the law will face a fine of 20% of their platform's revenue in Japan (likely annual, according to the editor's note). In case of repeated violations, the fine will increase to 30%.
Epic Games has already announced that, thanks to this law, it will release the Epic Games Store on iOS in Japan by the end of next year and will publish Fortnite there.
A big win for mobile gamers and developers: the Japanese government and the Diet have passed a new law to open up mobile app stores!
The Epic Games Store & Fortnite will be coming to iOS in Japan in late 2025 🥳 https://t.co/Jm9QLOoAZ3
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) June 12, 2024
