- Apple terminated Epic’s developer account planned for third-party iOS app store in EU, escalating battle between the companies after Epic’s CEO criticized App Store policies.
- Epic accused Apple of undermining competition after Apple called Epic “untrustworthy” and unlikely to comply with agreements. Epic shared letter from Apple lawyers.
- Apple cited concerns with Sweeney’s public criticism and Epic’s 2020 breach of agreement by adding third-party Fortnite payments. Epic said it will keep fighting for iOS competition despite setback.
Apple has terminated the developer account Epic Games planned to use to bring a third-party app store to iOS in the EU. This move comes after Epic CEO Tim Sweeney publicly criticized Apple’s App Store policies.
Epic’s Response
Epic shared a letter from Apple’s lawyers which called Epic “verifiably untrustworthy” and said Apple does not believe Epic will comply with its contractual agreements. Epic accused Apple of trying to undermine its ability to compete with the App Store.
Apple’s Concerns
Apple cited concerns with Sweeney’s public criticism of its App Store compliance plan. It also referenced Epic breaching its agreement in 2020 by adding third-party payment support to Fortnite, resulting in its removal.
The Exchange Between Apple and Epic
Apple reached out to Sweeney asking for assurance that Epic would honor its commitments. Sweeney responded that Epic would comply with all agreements. Then Apple terminated Epic Sweden’s developer account, saying Sweeney’s response was “not credible.”
The Impact
While Apple’s move impacts Epic’s iOS app store plans, Sweeney said Epic could still bring Fortnite back via another third-party app store. Epic has informed the EU of Apple’s actions. Sweeney said obvious non-compliance should be punished swiftly.
Epic’s Continued Fight
Epic concluded by saying it will keep fighting to bring competition to iOS in Europe and globally. The company shared screenshots of its written exchanges with Apple.
