A major change has arrived for iPad users in Europe: the Epic Games Store is now officially available, marking a turning point for both developers and gamers. This development comes as a direct result of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces large tech companies like Apple to allow alternatives to their own app stores.
Epic Makes a Comeback
Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite, hasn’t had an easy relationship with Apple. Back in 2020, the company was banned from the App Store after bypassing Apple’s in-app payment system, sparking a long-running legal fight. For years, Fortnite fans on iOS devices were left without a straightforward way to play. Now, thanks to EU regulations, Epic Games has returned, giving iPad users in the region access to Fortnite and a wider library of Epic titles directly through the company’s own store.
iPadOS 18 Paves the Way
The rollout of iPadOS 18 has been key to this shift. With support for third-party app marketplaces built in, Apple is moving to comply with the DMA’s competition rules. For European users, that means more freedom to choose where they download apps and how they access content. For Epic Games, it means a chance to reconnect with players without having to go through Apple’s 30% commission system.
What It Means for Developers and Gamers
This change isn’t just about Fortnite—it’s about reshaping the app ecosystem. Developers now have a clearer path to reach iPad users without Apple’s strict policies and high fees. Gamers, in turn, gain more control and flexibility in how they access their favorite titles. While this freedom is currently limited to Europe, it could set the stage for broader changes to Apple’s global approach.
The Epic Games Store’s return marks a new era for mobile gaming on iPad. For the first time in years, Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem is opening up—at least in Europe—giving both players and developers more choice than ever before.