Apple Approves Epic Games Store for iOS in Europe

Apple has approved the launch of the Epic Games Store for iOS users in Europe, ending a lengthy dispute between the two tech giants. The decision follows accusations from Epic Games that Apple was obstructing the creation of their game store on iPhone and iPad platforms.

Update: Apple has informed us that our previously rejected Epic Games Store notarization submission has now been accepted. https://t.co/tl5LY1aQD6
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) July 5, 2024

The conflict began in 2020 when Epic Games accused Apple of antitrust violations, particularly regarding the 30% commission Apple charged on in-app purchases. The situation intensified recently when Epic's attempts to launch its game store were twice rejected by Apple's app reviewers. The rejections were due to alleged similarities between the design and naming of the Epic Games Store's buttons and those of Apple's App Store.

Epic Games argued that terms like “Install” and “In-app purchases” are standard across various platforms. Following these rejections, Epic escalated the matter to the European Commission, claiming Apple’s actions violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Apple’s DMA saga has taken a turn towards the absurd.

Apple is now telling reporters that this approval is temporary and are demanding we change the buttons in the next version - which would make our store less standard and harder to use.

We’ll fight this. https://t.co/obwRoU7dWo
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 5, 2024

In response, Apple has now granted temporary approval for the Epic Games Store, provided that Epic makes certain design changes in a future update. Despite this conditional approval, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has vowed to fight these demands, asserting that such changes would make their store less user-friendly.

Apple to Allow Third-Party App Stores and Payment Options in the EU

Users will be able to download approved alternative app marketplaces and set them as the default option on their devices. Developers can also choose to use third-party payment systems without paying an additional fee to Apple.

The Internet ProtocolKay Lee

The DMA, which came into effect in March, requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on its devices, part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition in the digital market. Apple’s recent policy changes, which permit alternative app stores, also introduced a new “Core Technology Fee” for app installations, sparking further dissatisfaction among developers.