- Apple had rejected Epic Games from its European App Store, continuing their legal battle that started when Epic bypassed Apple’s revenue cut.
- Apple reversed course and approved Epic’s developer account in Europe after new EU regulations aimed at increasing competition and an inquiry by EU regulators.
- This allows Epic to offer its competing Epic Games Store in Europe, but questions remain about whether the new antitrust laws will curb anti-competitive practices by tech giants.
Epic Games will now be allowed in the Apple App Store in Europe, reversing Apple’s previous rejection. This comes after new EU regulations aimed at opening up competition.
Backstory on the Epic vs Apple Dispute
Epic Games and Apple have been engaged in a legal battle since 2020 when Epic updated its game Fortnite to bypass Apple’s 30% cut of app store revenue. Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, and Epic sued Apple to force it to open up iOS to third-party app stores. Epic mostly lost that US lawsuit but won some concessions under California law.
The Recent Flap Over Epic’s European Developer Account
Earlier this week, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said Apple had blocked Epic’s developer account in Sweden in retaliation for lawsuits and criticism. This was one of the first challenges under new EU Digital Markets Act antitrust regulations. Apple’s Phil Schiller had asked Sweeney if Epic would comply with contracts going forward, and Sweeney said yes, but Apple still rejected the account.
Apple Reverses Course After EU Inquiry
Following an inquiry by EU regulators, Apple has now approved Epic’s Swedish developer account. This will allow Epic to offer its own competing Epic Games Store on iPhones in Europe, as required under the new EU regulations. Apple says it will charge half a Euro per third-party app download.
Epic’s Response and What This Means
Epic says Apple’s reversal sends a strong signal that the EU will act swiftly to enforce the new antitrust rules. However, questions remain about whether the laws and penalties will be sufficient to curb anti-competitive practices by tech giants. For now, it’s a win for Epic in its ongoing dispute with Apple.
