Following the EU’s classification of Apple’s iPadOS as a digital “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Epic Games has confirmed its intention to launch Fortnite on iPads later in the year.
This decision comes after Epic Games previously announced Fortnite’s return to iPhones in the EU due to DMA regulations, which compel Apple to allow competition from alternative app stores such as Epic’s Game Store.
In a statement posted on X, Epic Games applauded the EU’s stance on iPads and expressed its commitment to swiftly introducing Fortnite to the Epic Games Store in the EU, with plans to follow suit on iPads later this year.
The longstanding rivalry between Epic and Apple stems from Epic’s lawsuit against the tech giant, alleging anticompetitive behavior related to its App Store and commission system. While Apple emerged largely victorious in the case, with the court ruling that it wasn’t a monopoly, it was mandated to permit developers to guide their customers to alternative payment methods within their apps. This ruling, a win for Epic, had broader implications for the developer community.
After Apple announced its intention to adhere to the EU’s DMA, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple’s new regulations as a type of “malicious compliance,” laden with what he deemed “unnecessary fees,” and pledged to challenge them. In response, Apple terminated Epic Games’ developer account, labeling the game developer as a “threat” to the iOS ecosystem. Following the EU’s initiation of an investigation into Apple’s termination of Epic’s account, Apple subsequently reinstated it.
The possibility of Epic Games successfully launching Fortnite on the iPhone and iPad as intended remains uncertain, considering Apple’s responses thus far. Nonetheless, this move underscores Epic’s determination to rival Apple by establishing its own games store on Apple’s primary platforms.
