Fortnite enthusiasts in Europe, rejoice! The widely popular battle royale game is making its way back to iPads in the EU region, thanks to the recent developments surrounding the Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforced by the European Union.

EU Designates iPadOS Under DMA In a significant move, the European Commission has extended the DMA regulations to include Apple’s iPadOS, recognizing its pivotal role as a gateway for businesses to reach consumers. This designation aligns iPadOS alongside iOS, both categorized as “gatekeepers” under the DMA due to their significant influence in the digital marketplace.

Implications of the Digital Markets Act The DMA aims to foster fairness and competition in the digital ecosystem, particularly targeting tech giants like Apple, Google, and Amazon. By mandating equitable treatment of businesses on their platforms and granting users more control over their data, the DMA seeks to level the playing field and enhance consumer choice.

Epic Games’ Response Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, swiftly responded to the EU’s ruling on iPadOS. They announced plans to reintroduce Fortnite to the EU market via the Epic Games Store, with a scheduled launch for iPads anticipated later in 2024.

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

What to Expect As part of the DMA compliance, Apple will implement several changes, including the availability of third-party app stores. This move opens doors for developers like Epic Games to introduce their marketplace alternatives, alongside Apple’s App Store.

Additional Changes for European Users Apart from Fortnite’s comeback, European users can expect various changes, including:

• Frameworks and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces.
• Support for alternative browser engines, enabling developers to utilize browsers other than WebKit.
• Interoperability request form for developers.
• Safari enhancements, offering users a selection of browser options.

Future Outlook While iPhone users in Europe can anticipate Fortnite’s return in the near future, iPad users may have to wait until the end of the year for the app’s availability. It’s speculated that the changes required for iPadOS compliance might be rolled out with iPadOS 18.

Via

Best Mobiles in India