Alexander Lewis
Mar 09, 2024
Apple, facing pressure from European authorities, recently made a concession in its ongoing dispute with Epic Games. This move potentially paves the way for Epic to introduce its own gaming store on Apple’s iPhone and iPad devices in Europe.
This development comes after Apple initially took measures earlier in the week to prevent Epic from launching its store and restoring Fortnite, the widely popular game Apple had removed from its App Store in 2020. The removal occurred following Epic’s violation of Apple’s in-app payment guidelines as a form of protest.
The shift in Apple's stance is a response to the European Union’s implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was enforced last Thursday. The DMA prohibits major tech companies like Apple and Google from exclusively dictating the distribution of apps on iOS and Android devices.
Thierry Breton, the European Union’s industry chief, acknowledged the regulatory warnings issued to Apple regarding its recent efforts to thwart Epic's store launch. Breton expressed satisfaction with Apple's decision to reverse its stance on blocking Epic, highlighting the immediate impact of the DMA on digital markets. He shared these thoughts on the X social media platform.
The conflict between Epic and Apple dates back to 2020 when Epic accused Apple of anti-competitive practices through its up-to-30% commission fees on in-app payments on iOS devices. Epic’s deliberate violation of Apple’s rules as a form of protest led to its banishment from Apple's ecosystem. Despite losing its legal battle against Apple, Epic’s continued efforts seem to have influenced recent developments in Europe.
