According to Kuai Technology on September 15, the European Union previously defined Apple's iOS system as a "digital gatekeeper," and the latest version of iOS has opened sideloading, allowing users to sideload apps from third-party app stores.

Apple has now announced on its developer page that sideloading will be officially opened for iPad 18 starting from September 16, allowing EU users to download and use alternative app stores, browser engines, etc., and iPadOS will also be eligible for a lower App Store commission.

Epic Games has expressed plans to bring Fortnite and other games to the iPad.

This change follows the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) earlier this year, which designated Apple's iPad OS as a "core platform service" by the European Commission in April.

Previously, the Commission gave Apple six months to update its iPad operating system (iPadOS) to comply with the Digital Markets Act.