UPDATE 8/3/24: The war of the Tims continues with the news that, following EU intervention, Apple has reinstated Epic’s developer account, meaning its plans to launch an App Store competitor on iOS can continue. It should also mean the return of Fortnite to Apple’s platform.
In an update on its website, Epic wrote, “Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. 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.”
EU commissioner Thierry Breton, in reponse to a social media post from Epic boss Tim Sweeney applauding the EU’s “swift inquiry”, also addressed Apple’s reversal, writing, “I take note with satisfaction that following our contacts Apple decided to backtrack its decision on Epic exclusion. From Day 2, [the Digital Markets Act] is already showing very concrete results!”.
ORIGINAL STORY 7/3/24: The EU is stepping in to investigate the latest development in the feud between Apple and Epic, with European regulators now seeking answers from Apple on yesterday’s news – that it had banned Epic’s developer account.
To recap, Epic announced it would be launching an iOS version of its store in Europe back in February, following Apple’s confirmation it would be complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act requiring it to allow sideloading and alternate marketplaces on its devices. Epic subsequently received an official Apple Developer Account, and said it planned to launch its app store sometime this year.