Why it's trending
The trending spike is driven by Epic Games' official announcement that the Epic Games Store is now available on iPhones in Brazil, and the immediate return of Fortnite to iOS devices in the country. This is a high-profile reversal of Apple's exclusive control over iOS app distribution, and it comes after years of legal battles and regulatory scrutiny in Brazil, making it a rare and newsworthy win for Epic.
Epic Games announced that its Epic Games Store has come to iPhones in Brazil, and Fortnite is back on iOS devices in the country. The Mac Observer confirmed Fortnite's return via Epic Games Store, a development that many users had been anticipating since the game was removed from Apple's App Store years ago.
This launch follows a long regulatory battle. According to a Wolters Kluwer analysis, Brazil's antitrust watchdog CADE has been investigating Apple since late 2022, following a complaint by Mercado Livre and its subsidiaries. The investigation focused on Apple's mandatory use of its In-App Purchase system, anti-steering clauses, and restrictions on distributing third-party digital goods. CADE imposed a preventive measure in November 2024, which was later suspended after Apple requested a Cease-and-Desist Agreement (TCC). CADE's Tribunal approved the TCC in December 2025, clearing the way for Epic Games to operate its own store on iPhones in Brazil.
The timeline spans years: Mercado Livre filed the complaint in late 2022 (Administrative Proceeding No. 08700.009531/2022-04), CADE's General Superintendency imposed the preventive measure in November 2024, and Apple's TCC was registered in 2025 under No. 08700.006953/2025-62, with approval in December 2025. The Wolters Kluwer article, published July 28, 2026, notes that the TCC suspends the administrative proceeding and the preventive measure, and that the proceeding is expected to be dismissed once Apple fully complies.
The implications go beyond Brazil: Epic Games' headline explicitly accuses Apple of obstructing App Store competition, signaling that this launch is a direct challenge to Apple's ecosystem. The case also raises questions about whether traditional antitrust proceedings can create lasting governance for digital markets, as the Wolters Kluwer blog argues. For now, Brazilian iPhone users have access to Fortnite again, but the long-term outcome will depend on Apple's compliance with the TCC and whether other countries follow Brazil's lead.
Timeline
- Complaint filed by Mercado Livre
Mercado Livre (E.bazar and Mercado Pago) filed a complaint with CADE against Apple, leading to Administrative Proceeding No. 08700.009531/2022-04 (Wolters Kluwer).
- CADE imposes preventive measure
CADE's General Superintendency imposed a preventive measure to halt Apple's alleged anticompetitive practices until a final decision (Wolters Kluwer).
- Apple requests and registers TCC
Apple requested a Cease-and-Desist Agreement (TCC), registered under No. 08700.006953/2025-62, after the Tribunal confirmed the preventive measure (Wolters Kluwer).
- CADE Tribunal approves TCC
CADE's Tribunal approved the TCC, suspending the administrative proceeding and the preventive measure (Wolters Kluwer).
- Epic Games Store arrives on iPhones in Brazil
Epic Games announces the Epic Games Store is available on iPhones in Brazil, with Fortnite returning to iOS in the country (Epic Games, The Mac Observer).
Questions people ask
Why was Fortnite removed from iPhones in Brazil?
Fortnite was not available on iPhones in Brazil because Apple's App Store policies required all in-app purchases to use Apple's payment system. Epic challenged these rules, and the game was pulled from the App Store. The CADE investigation in Brazil concluded that Apple's restrictions could be anticompetitive, leading to the agreement that now allows the Epic Games Store.
What is a TCC (Cease-and-Desist Agreement) in Brazilian antitrust law?
A TCC is a commitments agreement that a company can negotiate with CADE to resolve antitrust concerns. According to Wolters Kluwer, Apple's TCC was approved by CADE's Tribunal in December 2025, suspending the administrative proceeding and the preventive measure, with the proceeding expected to be dismissed upon full compliance.
Is Fortnite available on iPhones in other countries?
Based on the sources provided, only the Brazilian launch is confirmed. Epic Games specifically announced the Epic Games Store coming to iPhones in Brazil, and The Mac Observer reported Fortnite's return on Brazilian iPhones. No mention is made of other countries in these excerpts.
What has Apple said about this development?
The supplied sources do not include direct statements from Apple. Epic Games claims that Apple obstructs App Store competition, but Apple's own defense in the CADE case, as summarized by Wolters Kluwer, was that its measures were intended to protect user security and privacy.
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