Fortnite coming back to iPhones in EU, but Epic Games CEO calls out Apple’s “absurd” demands

[KeyboardKitty]

 

The ongoing saga between Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, and tech giant Apple has taken another turn. After a series of rejections and public spats, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has vowed to fight what he calls "absurd changes" demanded by Apple for its recently approved Epic Games Store on iOS devices in Europe.

 

This follows the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union, which requires Apple to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads. Epic quickly took advantage of this by submitting its own game store app.

 

However, according to Sweeney, Apple's approval came with unexpected strings attached. He claims Apple is now demanding changes to the Epic Games Store interface, including alterations to buttons, which he believes would make it "less standard and harder to use."

 

This latest clash reignites the long-standing feud between the two companies. In 2020, Epic implemented a direct payment system within Fortnite, bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system and its associated commission fees. This resulted in Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store and a subsequent lawsuit by Epic.

 

The legal battle highlighted concerns over Apple's control over app distribution and in-app purchases on its devices. While the case in the US didn't go in Epic's favor, the DMA in Europe appears to be giving them a second chance.

 

What it means for gamers and developers:

• Increased competition in the app market within the EU could lead to lower prices for consumers and potentially more favorable terms for developers.
• The outcome of Epic's fight with Apple could set a precedent for how app stores operate in the future.
• Continued uncertainty for iPhone and iPad users in Europe who may have to wait for a fully functional Epic Games Store.

 

What to watch next:

• Whether Epic will resist Apple's demands and potentially face another app rejection.
• How other developers might leverage the DMA to challenge Apple's App Store policies.
• The potential impact on similar antitrust lawsuits against Apple in the US.

 

This ongoing battle has major implications for the future of app stores and digital marketplaces. As the story unfolds, it's worth keeping an eye on how this  dispute  between Epic Games and Apple plays out,  as it could  significantly impact  gamers and developers  not just in Europe, but potentially on a global scale.

 

What are your thoughts on this latest development? Do you think Epic Games has a legitimate case against Apple's demands? Will increased competition in the app market benefit European consumers? Share your opinions and predictions for the future of app stores in the comments below.

 

• https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/07/epic-games-ceo-promises-to-fight-apple-over-absurd-changes/
• https://mashable.com/article/apple-epic-games-store-europe
• https://www.reuters.com/technology/epic-games-says-apple-stalling-launch-its-game-store-europe-2024-07-05/
• https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/6/24193182/apple-approved-epic-games-store-notarized-eu-dma-fortnite

 

Image: Camilo Concha | Dreamstime.com