Apple has announced that it will reinstate Epic Games’ developer account, allowing the Fortnite maker to publish iOS apps in Europe once again. This decision enables Epic to proceed with its plans for the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS devices in Europe.
Last month, Epic revealed that it would be able to reintroduce Fortnite and the Epic Games Store in Europe due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA mandates that Apple must allow third-party app stores for the first time. However, earlier this week, Epic’s European developer account was terminated following criticism from Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney towards Apple’s practices and a significant fine imposed by the European Commission.
After the European Union expressed interest in investigating Apple’s actions, the tech giant decided to restore Epic’s European account, named Epic Sweden AB.
According to an Apple spokesperson, “Following discussions with Epic, they have agreed to adhere to our policies, including those outlined in the DMA. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been reinstated into the Apple Developer Program.”
Epic has updated its blog post regarding the dispute, stating, “This event sends a powerful message to developers that the European Commission will promptly enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are proceeding as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!”
The ongoing conflict between Apple and Epic revolves around Apple’s control over in-app payments. Sweeney has strongly criticized Apple’s developer fees, which amount to 30% of in-app purchases. With the introduction of the DMA, third-party marketplaces like the Epic Games Store will be able to enter the iOS ecosystem, reducing Apple’s dominance over app distribution in Europe.
