Updated on 8/3/24
Epic Games says Apple has reinstated their App Store developer account.
Here’s what Epic Games says in a new update to their blog post:
Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!
The ongoing battle between Epic Games, creator of Fortnite, and tech giant Apple has escalated within the European Union. Apple’s recent termination of Epic’s developer account comes just as the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) takes effect, forcing Apple to allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iOS devices.
Epic Games has been a staunch critic of Apple’s App Store policies, particularly the 30% commission Apple takes on in-app purchases. With the DMA now in place, Epic planned to launch its own Epic Games Store on iOS within the EU, but Apple’s ban on their developer account effectively blocks this move. Epic has slammed Apple’s action as a “serious violation of the DMA” and an example of “malicious compliance” aimed at undermining the new regulations.
The European Commission has already requested further explanation from Apple regarding the ban on Epic’s developer account. Potential breaches of both the DMA and the EU’s separate Digital Services Act (DSA) are under consideration. The EU’s actions signal a willingness to enforce the new regulations and ensure a level playing field in the digital marketplace.
The Epic vs. Apple conflict began in 2020 when Epic violated Apple’s App Store rules by implementing its own payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s commission. This led to a highly publicized legal battle and increased scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices by antitrust regulators around the world.
The current situation highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and regulators as the EU implements new laws aimed at increasing competition. The outcome of this latest clash could have significant implications for the future of app distribution and in-app payments within the EU, and potentially beyond.
