Epic Games Store debuts on iPhone devices in Japan

The Epic Games Store has made its debut on iPhones in Japan, riding on the recent Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which passed in December 2025.

The MSCA mirrors the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) by mandating the support of alternative app stores and payment options.

In Japan, the Epic Games Store will present its own selections, including well-known games like Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe.

Epic has highlighted that Apple's imposition of a 5% fee on third-party store apps and the demand for developers to monitor transactions has influenced this move.

"Such imposed complexity discourages developers from participating in alternative app stores," the company remarked. "Therefore, our store will not feature apps from external developers initially."

Epic further pointed out that Apple's requirement of a nine-step installation process for its store in Japan adds hurdles for competition and choice.

During the app store's European introduction, Apple's process initially involved 15 steps, later streamlined to six due to regulatory efforts, resulting in a 60% reduction in installation drop-offs.

Epic continues collaborating with Japanese authorities to address these barriers, aiming to empower developers and consumers through legislation.

"We urge the Japan Fair Trade Commission to firmly apply the law, preventing Apple from enforcing unlawful practices that disadvantage users and competition," Epic stated.

In the EU, the Epic Games Store became accessible on iOS in May 2025, in line with the DMA's enforcement.

The platform also re-emerged in the US after a court decision that Apple could not impose fees on purchases conducted outside its App Store.

The legal proceedings between Epic and Apple commenced in 2020 after Apple's removal of Fortnite from the App Store, citing alleged bypassing of platform charges.