Epic Games has officially launched the Epic Games Store on iPads in a major development for gamers across the European Union. Just one day after third-party app stores were allowed on iPads under new EU regulations, Epic announced on social media platform X. However, this new feature comes with a catch: you need to be located in an EU country and have an Apple account registered in that region to install the store.
A Step Forward Thanks to the Digital Markets Act
The launch of the Epic Games Store on iPad is a direct result of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation, aimed at promoting competition and fairness in the digital marketplace, has been rolling out over the past year. The European Commission, which enforces the DMA, identified several “gatekeepers” that control essential platform services. Apple’s iPadOS, the operating system that powers the iPad, was a late addition to this list of regulated platforms.
Once designated as a gatekeeper, Apple was given six months to comply with DMA rules. This meant they had to ensure that users in the EU could install alternative app stores beyond Apple’s own App Store. Last Friday, Apple confirmed that this would be possible with the release of iPadOS 18.
Epic Games Wastes No Time
Epic Games, a long-time advocate for more open platforms, didn’t waste any time. The company released its Epic Games Store for iPad the day after iPadOS 18 became available. It’s clear that Epic had been preparing for this moment, as the company had already launched the store on iOS earlier this year. The inclusion of third-party app stores has been allowed on the iPhone for several months, also due to the DMA.
The iPad version of the Epic Games Store is nearly identical to what users see on iOS. To install it, users must visit Epic’s official website. Once installed, iPad users can access and download popular games like Fall Guys, Fortnite, and Rocket League Sideswipe — all optimized for full-screen play on the iPad.
Epic Games’ Vision for the Future
When Epic Games initially brought its store to iOS, the company expressed hopes of collaborating with other game developers, allowing them to release their titles on iOS and iPadOS without having to rely on the Apple App Store. This would provide developers with more freedom and potentially reduce the fees associated with Apple’s store. However, no significant updates have been made on this front yet, signalling that this broader vision is still a work in progress.
What This Means for iPad Users
For iPad users in the EU, this is a significant moment. The introduction of third-party app stores opens up new opportunities for gaming and software development on Apple’s closed ecosystem. The Epic Games Store will now compete directly with Apple’s App Store, providing users with alternative ways to access and download their favorite games.
With Fortnite now officially back on the iPad — after its removal from the App Store due to a high-profile legal battle between Apple and Epic Games — this news will surely excite fans of the game. The EU’s Digital Markets Act has proven to be a game-changer in creating a more open and competitive app market, and Epic Games’ quick launch is a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead.
A Glimpse Into the Future of App Stores on Apple Devices
The launch of third-party app stores like Epic Games Store on both iOS and iPadOS could mark the beginning of a more open ecosystem for Apple users in the European Union. While Epic has been one of the most vocal proponents for change, other developers are likely to follow suit in the coming months. This means that the app marketplace could become more diverse and competitive, offering users more choices while potentially lowering costs for developers.
The Epic Games Store is limited to a handful of titles, but the future looks promising as more developers might join in. Whether this trend will eventually extend beyond Europe remains to be seen, but for now, EU gamers have much to look forward to.
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