In a surprising turn of events, Epic Games has been unbanned by Apple once again. The game publisher’s developer account, which was revoked earlier this week, has now been reinstated following a swift inquiry from the European Commission. This means that Epic Games will be able to open its iOS app store in the European Union and bring Fortnite back to iOS users in Europe.
Apple’s decision to reverse its initial ban came after conversations with Epic Games and a commitment from the company to follow the rules, including Apple’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) policies. Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz confirmed the reinstatement, stating that Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.
The European Commission, which had been looking into the situation, takes credit for the reinstatement of Epic’s developer license. Commissioner Thierry Breton expressed satisfaction, noting that Apple decided to backtrack its decision on Epic’s exclusion. This turn of events marks a significant victory for the DMA, which just went into effect on Wednesday.
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— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 8, 2024
I take note with satisfaction that following our contacts Apple decided to backtrack its decision on Epic exclusion.
From Day 2, #DMA is already showing very concrete results!#FreeFortnite ⤵️https://t.co/LKbZNd2htb https://t.co/UqMSDgem7m
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, who had been critical of Apple’s DMA changes, expressed his gratitude for the European Commission’s swift inquiry. He stated that Apple’s decision to restore their access to the iOS app store and allow the launch of the Epic Games Store in Europe under the DMA law is a major victory for both Epic Games and the DMA.
The DMA allows for third-party app stores and alternative payment options on iOS, giving users more flexibility and choice. However, it’s important to note that these changes only apply within the European Union. Users outside the EU can continue to use third-party apps but may face limitations when it comes to updating them if they are traveling for an extended period.
The back-and-forth between Epic Games and Apple has been closely watched by industry observers and users alike. The dispute initially began when Apple removed Fortnite from the iOS app store in 2020 due to a violation of its in-app payment guidelines. This led to a legal battle between the two companies, with Epic Games accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior.
While this latest development may come as a relief to Epic Games and its fans in Europe, the larger issue of app store policies and competition in the digital market is far from resolved. The European Commission’s involvement in this case highlights the growing scrutiny that tech giants like Apple face from regulators around the world.
As the battle between Epic Games and Apple continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact the future of app stores and the digital market. In the meantime, European iOS users can look forward to the return of Fortnite and the launch of the Epic Games Store, thanks to the European Commission’s intervention and Apple’s decision to reinstate Epic’s developer account.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of Epic Games on Apple’s iOS app store in Europe is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the two companies. It showcases the influence of regulatory bodies like the European Commission in shaping the digital market and ensuring fair competition. As users eagerly await the return of Fortnite, the outcome of this battle will have far-reaching implications for the app store ecosystem.
