Apple reverses course, allowing Epic Games to develop European app store

Apple grants Epic Games permission to create European app store for iPhones, move that comes amid heated feud between two companies

Tech giant Apple reversed its stance, granting Epic Games the green light to develop a competing European app store for iPhones. This decision comes amidst a heated feud between the two companies and marks a significant development in the landscape of big tech regulation on the continent.

According to an Apple spokesperson in an email to the media, the tech behemoth has agreed to allow Epic Games to adhere to the rules, including those outlined in the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a groundbreaking European law that recently came into effect.

The spokesperson stated, “Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies.” Consequently, Epic Sweden AB has been reinstated into the Apple Developer Program, signifying a pivotal shift in their relationship.

The DMA, which took effect on Thursday, mandates that major tech companies open up their platforms to foster competition. Six of the largest tech entities, designated as “gatekeepers,” were given until the end of Thursday to comply with the stringent regulations outlined in the act.

Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, hailed the decision as “a big win for European rule of law, for the European Commission, and for the freedom of developers worldwide to speak up.” This sentiment follows Epic’s earlier efforts to establish an app store for its gaming empire in Europe, which were initially rebuffed by Apple.

Apple’s closure of Epic’s Sweden-based developer account on March 2 had impeded the company’s plans to launch standalone stores on Apple devices within the European market. Sweeney had previously criticized Apple’s actions, likening them to “feudal lords mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle” in a bid to deter dissent.

Epic Games has long been at odds with Apple and Google over access to their respective app stores. The company has pursued legal and regulatory avenues, demanding that both tech giants open up their platforms to alternative app stores and reduce the hefty fees associated with in-app purchases.

The developments surrounding Apple’s reversal have been met with satisfaction by European Union officials. Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, expressed his approval, stating, “I take note with satisfaction that following our contacts, Apple decided to backtrack its decision on Epic exclusion. From Day 2, #DMA is already showing very concrete results!”

Source: AFP