Because of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, Apple must allow third-party app stores to be accessible and searchable on the iPhone operating system within the EU’s geographic boundaries. Just recently, Epic Games lodged a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that Apple had twice rejected its application to include the Epic Games Store in the App Store for the 27 EU member states. Apple’s decision was deemed “arbitrarily made, obstructively enforced, and blatantly violative of the Digital Markets Act.” Apple has performed an about-face by allegedly allowing Epic Games’ retail arm to join the iOS platform.
Apple previously found that Epic Games was largely compliant with EU guidelines, except for specific button placement issues that could potentially confuse users. Developers are strictly forbidden from incorporating buttons or links that may inadvertently suggest that specific features or elements within the app were created by Apple, itself. Epic Games asserts that its user interface across various platforms employs a consistent button layout, leveraging familiar conventions on iOS devices.
Apple has removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic Games, the game’s developer, attempted to circumvent the tech giant’s payment processing system.
Despite previous claims of being just months away from adding its app to iOS, Epic Games still aims to complete development and release its app on Apple’s platform. Apple’s reversal should now make it significantly easier for Epic to achieve its goal.
