The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) will allow iOS app developers to eventually distribute their apps through alternative app stores across the 27 member states. Epic Games has announced plans to bring its Epic Games Store to European shores, but it seems those plans won’t come to fruition for the time being as Apple has terminated Epic’s developer account.
In a letter sent to game developers by Cupertino lawyers, Apple concluded that Epic Games “truly cannot be trusted.” Epic’s press release even shows direct email correspondence between Tim Sweeny and Apple executives Phil Schiller and Craig Federighi.
Apple is rightly concerned that Epic Games Scotland AB does not intend to abide by its contractual commitments to Apple and is in effect a vehicle to manipulate proceedings in other jurisdictions.
Apple is deeply committed to protecting the integrity of the iOS platform and its intellectual property. Epic has flagrantly violated Apple’s App Store rules in the past, which protect the safety, security and privacy of users. They benefit all developers and increase competition between brands.
Given Epic’s past and current behavior, Apple cannot allow Epic Games Scotland AB to become part of its ecosystem. Please note that Apple has terminated Epic Games Scotland AB’s Developer Program membership, effective immediately. – Letter from Apple lawyers to Epic Games
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeny has publicly criticized Apple’s approach to replacing the iOS App Store because of its bureaucratic approval process and commission system. These claims are also supported by Xbox and Spotify officials.
Epic Games applied for an Apple developer account under Epic Games Scotland AB and was initially approved. Apple subsequently questioned Epic Games’ contractual commitments under the developer agreement, and despite Tim Sweeney’s assurances, Apple terminated Epic’s developer account. As its CEO hinted, Epic may still use alternative app stores to distribute its games, but its Epic Games Store for iOS currently looks out of reach.
The European Commission has reportedly asked Apple to provide “further explanation” for its decision to terminate Epic’s developer account.
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