Main points
- Epic’s clash with Apple over its App Store dispute is intensifying in Europe.
- Apple’s response to the EU DMA would allow third-party app stores but with caveats.
- But Epic’s plans to launch its own app store in the EU have faced obstacles from Apple.
Apple has made a bold move by blocking Epic Games’ ambitions to launch its own app store on iOS devices in Europe. It revoked the developer account Epic planned to use. Now, Epic has revealed a letter from Apple lawyers in a blog post, saying the company “truly cannot be trusted” and questioning Epic’s commitment to the terms of its developer agreement. The conflict is the latest development in a saga that has been brewing since 2020, when Epic tried to circumvent Apple’s in-app purchase system, sparking a legal tug-of-war and broader discussions about market dominance and fair competition.
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This confrontation goes deep
walled garden
Epic’s main issues with Apple have to do with disagreements over commission rates and control over distribution of iOS apps. To get around it, Epic tried to introduce its own payment system into Fortnite, which alarmed Apple, leading to the game being removed from the App Store and sparking a legal battle. Epic is currently trying to open its own app store in the EU using the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). It’s the company’s latest strategy to challenge Apple’s control of the app market, as the DMA is a game-changer for the European Union aimed at curbing the power of the tech giants and fostering more competitive digital markets.
Apple’s response to the DMA – allowing third-party app stores on iOS in the EU – is a sea change, although it doesn’t come without caveats, such as its “core technology fee” and an approval process that puts Apple in a regulatory role. While the EU is pushing for a more open DMA, the situation in the US is very different. Apple maintains tight control over its App Store and shows no sign of relaxing in allowing third-party app stores. This has sparked a wider debate about competition and consumer choice in digital markets, with Apple emphasizing security and user experience as reasons for its walled garden approach.
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Impact on Fortnite players
Caught in the crossfire
The latest developments and situations are frustrating for Fortnite fans on iOS. According to a blog post from Epic Games, Apple has asked Epic CEO Tim Sweeney to provide written assurance that they will comply with the developer agreement and mention Epic’s previous violations. Despite Sweeney’s assurances of compliance, Apple terminated Epic Games Sweden’s developer account, citing a lack of trust based on Epic’s history and recent behavior. The termination affects Epic’s plans to launch an app store in the EU under new Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations.
“Please note that Apple has terminated Epic Games Scotland AB’s developer program membership, effective immediately,” Apple’s letter dated March 2, 2024 stated. The letter cited Apple’s termination of its relationship with Epic Games Sweden AB. “Contractual Rights” of the Developer Program License Agreement. Epic Games reserves the right to do so “at Apple’s sole discretion.” Epic responded to the decision, again accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior and confirming plans to continue efforts to bring competition to the iOS platform, even notifying the European Commission of Apple’s actions.
While Apple’s decision to terminate developer accounts affects Epic’s ability to launch its app store on iOS, Sweeney mentioned in the briefing that it’s still possible that Fortnite will be available through a third-party app store owned by another company in the EU Return to iOS. The changing regulatory environment may provide alternative ways to play the game on iOS devices, but for now the game will have to wait.
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FAQ
Q: What does this mean for me if I want to play Fortnite on my iPhone?
You’ll have to wait and see how alternative app store options develop in the EU, as the direct route through Epic’s own app store is currently blocked by Apple.
Q: Why does Apple allow third-party app stores to be opened in the EU but not in the United States?
The EU’s DMA is pushing Apple to open its ecosystem to third-party app stores in Europe, a move that has not been reflected in the United States, where Apple continues to defend its exclusive control over app distribution.
Q: What’s the big deal about the changes to DMA and the Apple App Store?
The DMA has significantly contributed to leveling the EU’s digital playing field, challenging the dominance of technology giants such as Apple, and opening up new opportunities for competition and innovation in the app market.