Fortnite has been missing on the Apple side for a while now. Thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the game will return on iOS and iPadOS, but only for the EU region. Regulators in the EU have stipulated that Apple’s iPadOS needs to follow the same new rules as iOS. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Fortnite is Coming Back to The iPad
Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store in August 2020 due to a legal battle between Epic Games (the developer of Fortnite) and Apple over in-app transactions and revenue cuts. However, the EU has announced Apple’s iPadOS as another gatekeeper under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation.
With iPadOS now falling under the DMA’s umbrella alongside iOS, the path is clear for Fortnite’s return. The EU designated both operating systems as “gatekeepers” due to their crucial role as gateways for businesses to reach their customers.
Today, the European Commission said that iPads will also need to comply with the Digital Markets Act 🙌
We’re moving full steam ahead to bring Fortnite and the @EpicGames Store to iPhones in the EU soon and iPads this year! 🎉 https://t.co/MHh6EGVinC
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) April 29, 2024
Epic Games wasted no time celebrating the EU’s ruling on iPadOS and announced they’re soon bringing Fortnite back to the EU Epic Games Store with a planned launch for iPads later in 2024.
What is the Digital Markets Act?
It’s a European law designed to make the online world more equitable for businesses and users. It primarily targets tech giants like Google, Amazon, Apple, and others to prevent them from abusing their power and limiting competition.
The DMA aims to level the playing field for businesses in the digital sphere. It dictates how large corporations should operate by mandating fair treatment of other businesses on their platforms and granting users more control over their data. The goal is to make it easier for smaller companies to compete and provide consumers with more choices.
DMA’s Implications on Apple So Far
Due to the EU’s DMA regulations, the Cupertino-based tech giant had to make several changes to its offerings. One example is Apple’s adoption of USB-C on the iPhone 15 lineup. The DMA mandated a standard charging port for specific electronic devices in the EU.
Moreover, Apple is also going to allow third-party App Stores in Europe. This is all thanks to DMA, which requires “gatekeeper” companies to open their services and platforms to other companies and developers.
