Title: Apple Blocks Epic Games’ European Subsidiary from Creating Competing App Store
In a bold move to maintain its stronghold on the app economy, Apple has blocked Epic Games’ European subsidiary from using iPhone software tools, effectively preventing the game developer from launching a competing app store in Europe.
The clash 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 Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store and Epic suing Apple for antitrust violations.
With the European Union passing a law to loosen Apple’s grip on the app economy, Epic Games had been planning to launch a competing app store for developers. However, Apple’s recent actions have thwarted those plans, citing Epic’s past unwillingness to follow Apple’s rules and criticism of Apple’s compliance with Europe’s tech competition law.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, expressed disappointment in Apple’s decision, stating that his company had invested billions of dollars in creating the Epic Games Store. He plans to file a complaint with European regulators over Apple’s actions, accusing Apple of trying to stifle competition.
Apple’s move to block Epic’s access to developer tools in Europe is seen as a test of the boundaries of the European Union’s tech competition law. The Digital Markets Act, which goes into effect this week, requires Apple to provide app makers with alternatives for selling software to iPhone and iPad users, including the ability to use alternative payment systems and competing app stores.
Should the European Commission open a formal investigation into Epic’s complaints, it could lead to a lengthy legal battle that may force Apple to change its policies or face significant fines. This dispute adds to the challenges Apple is already facing over its App Store practices, with recent fines from E.U. regulators and potential fines from other countries.
The ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games highlights the growing tensions in the tech industry over app store policies and competition. As the fight continues, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of app distribution and competition in the digital marketplace.
