The Epic Games Store has been introduced on iPhones in Japan

The Epic Games Store has made its debut on iPhones in Japan due to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) introduced in December 2025.

Much like the EU's Digital Markets Act, the MSCA mandates the allowance of alternative app stores and payment systems.

The Japan launch will include Epic's own games, including Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe, as part of its offerings.

Epic has moved forward with this launch in response to Apple's imposition of a 5% fee on third-party store apps and the requirement for developers to track transactions.

"This causes confusion and adds expenses, discouraging developers from using other app stores," the company stated. "Therefore, we are not including third-party apps at launch."

Additionally, Epic highlighted Apple's mandatory nine-step process for App Store installation in Japan, claiming it hinders competition.

Apple previously enforced a 15-step process for the European app store launch, which was later reduced to six steps, resulting in a drop in user discontinuation during installation by 60%.

Epic remains engaged with Japanese regulators to address what it describes as Apple's anticompetitive behavior and aims to enable the benefits of the MSCA for developers and consumers.

"We call on the Japan Fair Trade Commission to enforce regulations effectively and prevent Apple from imposing unjust fees and hurdles detrimental to users and competition," Epic stated.

The Epic Games Store became accessible to EU iOS users in September 2024, coinciding with the enactment of the DMA.

In the U.S., Fortnite returned to iOS after a ruling prohibited Apple from charging fees on external app purchases.

The legal conflict between Epic and Apple started in 2020 after Fortnite was taken off the App Store for reportedly avoiding platform fees.