Apple Reverses Course, Allows Epic Games to Start Competing App Store in Europe
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has reversed its decision to block Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, from starting a competing app store in Europe. This decision comes just days after Epic Games publicly complained about Apple’s actions, sparking a heated feud between the two tech giants.
The reversal by Apple highlights the company’s efforts to comply with a new European tech competition law, the Digital Markets Act, which went into effect recently. This law requires Apple to give app makers alternatives for selling software to iPhone and iPad users, including the ability to use competing app stores and payment systems other than its own.
By opening up the iPhone to competing stores, European regulators hope to benefit smartphone users across the region with lower prices. Epic Games, known for taking a lower commission than Apple on game sales, had planned to start a competing app store in Europe, offering developers a more affordable platform to sell their games.
Justin Kan, founder of Twitch and creator of Stash, an open payments platform for video game companies, emphasized the importance of competition in driving down prices and ultimately benefiting consumers. He believes that Apple’s decision to allow competing app stores could lead to a growth in the market of apps.
The feud between Apple and Epic Games dates back to 2020 when Epic broke the App Store’s rules by bypassing Apple’s payment system in Fortnite. This led to Epic being removed from the App Store and subsequent legal battles over antitrust issues.
Despite the initial roadblocks, Apple and Epic Games have now reached a resolution, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney assuring Apple that the company will follow its rules. Apple has confirmed that Epic has committed to complying with its policies in Europe, leading to the green light for Epic to proceed with its competing app store.
Mr. Sweeney praised the decision as a “big win for European rule of law” and for the freedom of developers worldwide to speak up. The swift inquiry by European regulators played a crucial role in Apple’s change of heart, signaling a new era of competition and innovation in the tech industry.
