In a surprising twist, Apple has promptly reinstated Epic Games’ developer account, paving the way for Fortnite’s return to iOS devices. This comes as a response to the European Digital Markets Act, which mandates Cupertino to allow third-party app stores.
Although Apple has managed to complicate matters, it appears that Epic Games’ initial plans to create a store for iOS remain intact.
Compliance with European Law
Apple’s swift action follows the scrutiny of European commissioners, posing a significant threat to Cupertino’s decision made last week. As detailed in the original news, Apple has encountered serious challenges in complying with the Digital Markets Act, leading to the removal of Epic’s developer account to prevent them from creating their store.
Apple restores Epic Games' developer account in Sweden under EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).😮😮
Epic Games has also confirmed that it would use the account to publish Fortnite for iPhones in Europe as well as it's own Epic Games store!✨#fortnite #apple #gadgets31 #TechNews pic.twitter.com/dfvmuDlRg3
— Gadgets 31 (@gadgets31) March 9, 2024
Legal Obligations
Apple is obligated to allow third-party app stores in Europe. While the recent arrival of iOS 17.4 seemed to comply with this requirement, Epic faced a major setback in bringing their store to iPhones: Cupertino had deleted their developer account.
Epic’s Response
In a sternly-worded letter, Epic accuses Apple of violating European law by canceling their account, hindering their ability to develop the Epic Games Store for iOS. This move eliminates one of Apple’s potential major competitors in the App Store, undermining fair competition on iOS devices.
Impact on Developers
Epic’s letter highlights the repercussions of Apple’s actions on other developers. By retaining the power to expel third-party marketplaces at their discretion, Apple discourages reasonable developers from utilizing such stores, fearing permanent disconnection from their audience.
Epic celebrates ‘a big win’ as Apple reverses course and promises to restore its iOS developer account: ‘We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe’
byu/ThunderArtifact infuckepic
Epic’s History with Apple
Epic emphasizes its longstanding relationship with Apple, having launched games and the Unreal Engine technology on the App Store and Apple Arcade. Despite previous confrontations, including a court case favoring Apple that led to Fortnite’s removal from iOS, Epic has persevered through web launchers.
Cancellation of Epic Games Store Launch on iOS Reflects Ongoing Legal Battle with Apple and Uncertain Future of App Distribution
Following these events, plans to launch the Epic Games Store on iOS devices are canceled. Whether these plans will be revived in the future hinges on the restoration of the developer account. As the legal and technological landscape evolves, the dynamic between Epic and Apple continues to shape the future of app distribution on iOS.