2024-03-06 18:42:17
Wed, 7:42 p.m.·Apple Services·cmkApple and Epic went from former partners to enemies: After a years-long legal battle over whether Apple is a monopolist, Epic largely suffered a defeat in court – but Epic CEO Tim Sweeney isn’t getting tired , continue to criticize Apple. Most recently, Epic announced that it would launch its own app marketplace in the European Union – a possibility that has existed since the “Digital Markets Act” (DMA for short) came into force. In mid-February, Apple released Epic’s new developer access in the EU – and Sweeney promised Epic’s own store on the iPhone, for example to bring the popular game Fortnight back to Apple smartphones. To this end, Epic set up a 60-person team in Sweden to put the project into action.
Epic marketplace has become a distant memory
But now nothing seems to come of the plans because Apple blocked the new developer access of the well-known games and engine manufacturer. This means that Epic is no longer able to offer its own app marketplace on the iPhone – because this requires Apple developer access.
Exchange of blows via Twitter and press release
The two disputers are now blaming each other for the renewed escalation: Apple announces that courts have already determined that the company has the right to block Epic’s developer access due to past contractual violations. Due to Epic’s past and current behavior, Apple is now exercising this right. Apple’s lawyers tell Epic that the company is proven to be dubious and unreliable – and therefore the step is legal.
Epic: Competition denied market access
Epic, on the other hand, claims to have learned that Apple blocked developer access again due to public criticism of what Epic saw as the inadequate implementation of the “Digital Markets Act” – and sees this as a further violation of the DMA. Specifically, it should be the following tweet:
Sweeney said after the ban that Apple wanted to protect itself from competition with this step – because the Epic marketplace could have taken market share from Apple’s own App Store. Apple’s behavior would clearly show what happens if you want to compete with the company or criticize it because of its unfair business practices. The correspondence with Apple published Epic – probably to put the company under pressure, especially before the EU.
Outcome uncertain
It is still absolutely unclear how this dispute will continue. It is to be expected that courts will have to deal with the matter again. Since such legal disputes usually take months to years, Epic’s plan to open its own app store in 2024 is likely to definitely fail.
Additional articles:
19.02.24 ·
Apple releases Epic’s developer account again – “Epic Games Store” for iOS comes to the EU
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