Apple reverses ban of Epic Games on App Store in EU, amid pressure from regulators

[Trendingger]

Image: Fortnite

 

As the tug-of-war between Apple and Epic Games drags on, the Cupertino giant has yet again reversed its decision to ban the maker of Fortnite from offering its own iPhone app marketplace in the European Union. This move comes amidst mounting pressure from regulators in the EU.

 

Just a few days after banning Epic Games’ EU developer account, Apple reinstated it, succumbing to the pressure from European Union regulators. The tech giant had earlier blocked Epic Games’ efforts to build out its own app store after the company criticized Apple’s response to new regulations.

 

This reversal is seen as a sign of Apple’s softening approach towards its crackdown on third-party app marketplaces. The decision to restore a developer account for Epic’s Sweden division allows the games company to move ahead with plans for building its own EU app store.

 

The back-and-forth between Apple and Epic Games, which have been sparring for years over Apple’s control over third-party software on its devices, comes as European regulators are evaluating how the iPhone-maker has opened up its App Store in response to the new law.

 

This development raises several questions about the future of app marketplaces and the impact of regulatory pressures on tech giants. How will this decision influence the dynamics of the app marketplace in the EU? Will other tech companies follow suit? What does this mean for the future of app developers and consumers in the region?

 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think this reversal will lead to more freedom and opportunities for app developers, or could it potentially lead to other challenges? Share your views in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://www.wsj.com/tech/apple-reverses-ban-on-fortnite-maker-in-eu-ceadbfbc
• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-08/apple-reverses-move-to-ban-fortnite-maker-from-european-union
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/apple-reverses-ban-on-epics-developer-account-following-european-commission-enquiry