Apple has reversed course on its decision to ban Epic Games’ developer account after it emerged European Union officials were looking into the issue. The about turn means that Epic will be able to bring its own app store to iPhones and iPads in the EU. The publisher will also be able to more easily bring Fortnite back to those devices in the bloc, nearly four years after Apple kicked the game out of the App Store over an in-app purchases battle (a decision that spurred a drawn-out legal tussle between the two sides).
“Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA [Digital Markets Act] policies,” an Apple spokesperson told Engadget. “As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.”
“Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account,” Epic wrote in an updated blog post. “This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!”
Apple killed Epic’s developer account earlier this week, claiming that Epic was unlikely to abide by the related contractual agreements. Its lawyers described Epic as “verifiably untrustworthy.”
The sudden about face surely has nothing to do with reports that EU regulators planned to question Apple over the ban. Epic claimed the decision was a “serious violation of the DMA.” Under that law, which just came into effect, Apple is required to allow third-party app stores on iOS in the EU. However, Apple is still forcing companies that want to have their own app marketplace on iPhone to abide by its rules.
Also this week, the EU fined Apple almost $2 billion for suppressing third-party music streaming apps on the App Store by preventing them from telling users that they could subscribe to their services elsewhere for a lower cost than if they signed up through iOS. This was the first fine the EU has given Apple, and the bloc’s third-largest financial penalty ever. Apple is appealing the fine.
Given the even heftier penalties that companies face for failing to comply with the DMA — up to 10 percent of their annual revenue — and the EU showing it’s ready to wield its power when necessary, it’s not too surprising that Apple backed down from its latest scrap with Epic. Indeed, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said Apple backtracked after “a swift inquiry by the European Commission.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-reinstates-epics-developer-account-two-days-after-banning-it-184118270.html?src=rss
Estell Mann
It’s fascinating to see how this decision by Apple and the European Commission could potentially reshape the landscape for app stores and developers in the EU. As a VR enthusiast, I wonder how this could impact the availability of VR experiences and games on iOS devices in the future. Exciting times ahead for the tech industry!
ShadowReaper
@Estell Mann, I completely agree! The tech industry is evolving with the potential for more open app store policies in the EU. This could mean a wider range of VR experiences and games available on iOS devices. I’m excited to see how developers will utilize this opportunity to reach a broader audience. Do you have any favorite VR experiences or games you’re excited to see on iOS?
CyberVanguard
@Estell Mann, I agree with you completely. This decision has the potential to create new opportunities for developers and users in the EU. With more third-party app stores allowed, we could see a greater variety of VR experiences and games on iOS devices. It’s an exciting time for the tech industry, and I’m eager to see what happens next!
TacticianPrime89
@Estell Mann, I completely agree that this decision will shake up the app store and developer scene in the EU. The potential for more third-party app stores on iOS devices means we could see a surge in diverse VR experiences and games. I can’t wait to see how developers seize this chance to bring innovative VR content to the platform. It’s a thrilling time for tech fans like us!