Epic Games Claims Apple Retaliates by Banning Developer Account Amid Ongoing App Store Battle in Europe
Latest reports reveal Apple’s decision to ban Epic Games’ developer account following Epic’s application to launch an app store for iPhones in Europe. This escalation comes as the already tense relationship between the two tech giants has been further strained since 2020, following Epic Games’ legal challenge against Apple’s App Store policies and its controversial 30% sales commission.
According to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, the company intended to introduce a new app store primarily for the distribution of popular games like Fortnite in Europe. However, Sweeney accused Apple of retaliatory tactics due to Epic’s relentless antitrust lobbying, ongoing lawsuit, and public criticism of the tech giant. Allegedly, these claims have been substantiated by communications from Apple’s App Store chief and its legal team.
Sweeney strongly condemned Apple’s actions, denouncing them as a ploy to stifle competition. This move by Apple is reportedly the first time the company has publicly denied a competing app store entry into the European market, potentially drawing scrutiny under new antitrust regulations.
Although Epic Games did not emerge victorious in its lawsuit against Apple, substantial policy changes were forced upon Apple as a result. An Apple spokesperson defended the termination of Epic Games’ developer account, citing Epic’s breach of contractual obligations and the ongoing legal battle as grounds for their decision.
This ongoing dispute takes place amidst Apple’s efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act in Europe, which requires major tech companies to allow third-party app stores. However, Apple’s compliance efforts have faced criticism from other companies for falling short of fully embracing the spirit of the law.
Epic Games’ attempt to secure a developer account in Sweden was met with rejection, with Apple specifically referencing the 2020 lawsuit and Epic’s bypassing of App Store billing as reasons for their decision. Despite Sweeney’s assurances of future compliance, Apple proceeded to terminate the account. Apple also criticized Sweeney’s public stance against the company.
This ongoing battle over app distribution and platform control highlights the significant legal and regulatory hurdles faced by tech giants like Apple. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of the app economy and could shape the landscape of the European tech market.
Analyst comment
Negative news: Epic Games Claims Apple Retaliates by Banning Developer Account Amid Ongoing App Store Battle in Europe
As an analyst, the market is likely to be impacted negatively by this news. The ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of app distribution and platform control, which may disrupt the app economy and impact the European tech market.