Even under Japan's new smartphone law, Fortnite will not return to iOS in Japan due to Apple's imposition of a maximum 21% junk fee.

The enactment of the ' Act on Promotion of Competition Relating to Specified Software Used on Smartphones (Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Act/Smartphone Act) ' in Japan has allowed alternative app stores and third-party payment systems to be used in Japan. While the associated fees have also been reduced, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, developer of the popular game 'Fortnite,' has protested, arguing that these fees continue to hinder competition.

'Imagine if Microsoft did this' — Fortnite has been blocked on iOS once again | Windows Central
https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/imagine-if-microsoft-did-this-fortnite-has-been-blocked-on-ios-in-japan-specifically-by-apple-leveraging-new-junk-fees

Apple makes money by charging developers fees for distributing apps on the App Store, but its pricing and policy of not allowing the use of external payment systems have been criticized as anti-competitive. Sweeney, in particular, has waged legal battles for years, winning several victories, including allowing external payment systems.

Court rules against Apple forbidding it from imposing fees on out-of-app purchases, and also decides to resume distribution of Fortnite for iPhone - GIGAZINE

With the implementation of the Smartphone Act, third-party app stores and payment systems are now permitted in Japan, but fees will continue to be imposed, such as 'App Store fees of up to 21%' and 'store service fees of up to 15% when redirecting to an external payment system.'

iOS Changes in Japan - Support - Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/jp/support/app-distribution-in-japan/

Sweeney called these fees 'junk fees,' calling them 'a flagrant disrespect to the Japanese government and people, and the start of yet another farce of obstruction and illegal activity.'

Sweeney takes particular issue with the Core Technology Fee (CTC), which states, 'For alternative app marketplaces, or apps distributed through them, a fee applies to the sale of paid apps and digital goods and services (including one-time purchases and auto-renewable subscriptions) used within apps that run on Apple platforms.' This means that 'the fee applies even if you don't use the App Store or Apple's payment system.'

In addition, Apple is requiring developers to track and report app sales outside of the App Store, placing a certain burden on developers. Sweeney called these measures 'outrageous coercive practices,' adding that they have been 'determined unlawful by a U.S. court and upheld on appeal.'

They're imposing a new 5% junk fee on all revenue from apps distributed by competing stores, and intend to surveil all transactions within them using a mandatory reporting API: https://t.co/FNgLCWhyNN . This is an egregious Apple imposition on distribution and payments they have…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) December 18, 2025

Sweeney has suspended the iOS distribution of 'Fortnite' in protest against Apple, but if the smartphone law had been ideal, he would have planned to re-release it in Japan. However, because the smartphone law was not what Sweeney intended, Fortnite will not continue to be distributed.

'It is clear that as long as Apple abuses its position and obstructs fair trade, there will be no real competition and consumers will not benefit. We will file a complaint with the Japan Fair Trade Commission,' Sweeney said.