The European Union’s decision to designate Apple’s iPadOS as a digital “gatekeeper” under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation has led to significant developments in the availability of Fortnite on Apple devices. EU ruling forces Apple to allow Fortnite on iPad & Epic Games confirms, a major win for Epic in the battle against Apple’s App Store policies.
This move comes after Epic Games had previously announced Fortnite would return to iPhones in the EU as a result of the DMA, which compels Apple to allow competition from alternative app stores like Epic’s Game Store.
In a post on X, Epic Games praised the EU’s decision around the iPad and stated they are “moving full steam ahead” to bring Fortnite to the Epic Games Store in the EU “soon” and to iPads later this year. The European Commission has also confirmed that iPads will need to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
The ongoing rivalry between Epic Games and Apple, stemming from a legal battle over Apple’s App Store policies, has escalated with the EU’s involvement. Despite Apple’s initial resistance and termination of Epic Games’ developer account, the EU’s intervention has prompted Apple to reinstate Epic’s account.
However, whether Epic Games will successfully bring Fortnite to the iPhone and iPad as planned remains to be seen, given Apple’s previous responses. Nonetheless, this development signals Epic’s intention to compete with Apple by offering its own games store across Apple’s top platforms.
The EU’s decision to designate iPadOS as a digital gatekeeper under the DMA regulation has far-reaching implications for the tech industry. It marks a significant shift in the balance of power between Apple and developers, as the EU seeks to promote fair market practices and competition in the digital marketplace.