Epic Games Plans to Bring Fortnite to iPad Following EU’s Designation of iPadOS as a ‘Gatekeeper’ under DMA

Epic Games, the maker of the popular battle royale game Fortnite, is set to bring the game to Apple’s iPad later this year following the EU’s decision to designate iPadOS as a digital “gatekeeper” under its Digital Markets Act regulation. This move comes after Epic Games confirmed that Fortnite would also return to iPhones in the EU as a result of the DMA, which forces Apple to compete with alternative app stores.

In a post on Twitter, Epic Games praised the EU’s decision and expressed their excitement to bring Fortnite to the Epic Games Store in the EU soon and iPads later this year. The ongoing rivalry between Epic and Apple dates back to Epic’s lawsuit against Apple over alleged anticompetitive conduct related to its App Store and commission structure. While Apple largely won that case, it was required to allow developers to direct their customers to other payment methods within their apps.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple’s compliance with the EU’s DMA as “malicious” and full of “junk fees,” leading to Apple terminating Epic Games’ developer account. However, Apple later reinstated the account after the EU began investigating the decision. The future of Fortnite on iPhone and iPad remains uncertain given Apple’s responses, but Epic Games’ determination to compete with Apple through its own games store is evident.

The battle between Epic Games and Apple continues as both companies navigate the changing landscape of digital markets and regulations. Stay tuned for more updates on the fate of Fortnite on Apple devices.