Apple announced on Wednesday that it would restore the Fortnite maker's access to publish iOS apps in Europe after terminating Epic Games' developer account. This means Epic can move forward with his Epic Games Store plans and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe.
Last month, Epic announced it could bring back Fortnite and the Epic Games Store, citing Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The recently enacted DMA requires Apple to allow third-party app stores for the first time. But earlier this week, Epic's European developer accounts were terminated. The change comes after Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney publicly criticized Apple's “scathing response” when the company was fined his €1.84 billion by the European Commission for anti-competitive conduct. It happened when
After the EU announced it would take a closer look at Apple's decision, Apple said Epic's European account, called Epic Sweden AB, could be restored.
“As a result of discussions with Epic, Epic has committed to following the rules, including our DMA policy. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and join the Apple Developer Program. ,” an Apple spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Epic published an updated blog post regarding the dispute.
“This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act quickly to enforce digital market laws and hold gatekeepers accountable,” Epic wrote. “We're on track to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Go ahead!”
Apple and Epic are embroiled in an ongoing war over Apple's grip on in-app payments. Sweeney has been a vocal critic of Apple's 30% developer fee on in-app purchases. But under the new DMA law, third-party marketplaces like the Epic Games Store will be able to enter iOS, weakening Apple's control over apps in Europe.