Apple has given the green light to Epic Games’ marketplace app in Europe amidst their ongoing dispute. The approval comes after Epic Games accused Apple of obstructing their efforts to launch a games store on Apple devices.
The conflict is focused on the Epic Sweden AB Marketplace and is unrelated to Epic’s Fortnite app, which has already been approved by Apple. Epic Games claimed that Apple had rejected their application to launch the Epic Games Store twice, citing similarities in button and label designs with the App Store.
Epic Games decried Apple’s rejection as arbitrary and obstructive, alleging a violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission, currently investigating Apple’s app validation processes and alternative app store sideloading, has yet to comment on the matter.
The feud between Apple and Epic Games began in 2020 when Epic accused Apple of antitrust violations due to its in-app payment commissions on iOS devices. Earlier this year, Apple made changes to its App Store policies to comply with the DMA, allowing alternative app stores on iPhones and giving users the option to opt out of the in-app payment system. However, Apple introduced a controversial core technology fee that developers criticized as exploitative.
As the dispute between Apple and Epic Games continues, the European Commission’s response and the broader implications for app store regulations remain to be seen. Apple’s approval of Epic Games’ marketplace app in Europe signals a potential thaw in their contentious relationship, but the underlying issues driving the conflict persist.
The ongoing saga between these tech giants highlights the complexities of competition and regulation in the digital marketplace. Both Apple and Epic Games are closely watched by industry observers and regulatory authorities, ensuring that any resolution to their dispute will have far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole.
