The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to open up the iOS ecosystem, allowing developers to distribute their apps via alternative app stores across the 27 member states. Epic Games revealed plans to launch its Epic Games Store on iOS devices in Europe. However, those aspirations have hit a roadblock as Apple has terminated Epic’s developer account.
In a letter from Apple’s legal team, the Cupertino-based company deemed Epic Games “verifiably untrustworthy.” Epic’s press release revealed email exchanges between Tim Sweeney and Apple executives Phil Schiller and Craig Federighi, which included the following statement:
“Apple is rightly concerned that Epic Games Sweden AB does not intend to adhere to its contractual commitments to Apple and is in fact a vehicle to manipulate proceedings in other jurisdictions.
Apple is fiercely committed to protecting the integrity of the iOS platform, as well as its intellectual property. Apple’s App Store rules, which Epic has flagrantly violated in the past, protect the security, safety, and privacy of users. They benefit all developers, and they increase Interbrand competition.
Given the past and current conduct of Epic, Apple cannot allow Epic Games Sweden AB to be part of its ecosystem. Please be advised that Apple has, effective immediately, terminated the Developer Program membership of Epic Games Sweden AB. – letter sent to Epic Games by Apple’s legal team”
Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO, has openly criticized Apple’s approach to alternative iOS app stores, citing bureaucratic approval processes and commission systems. His concerns have been echoed by officials from Xbox and Spotify.
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Initially, Epic Games Sweden AB was approved for an Apple developer account. However, Apple later questioned Epic Games’ contractual commitments under the developer agreement. Despite assurances from Tim Sweeney, Apple terminated Epic’s developer account. While Epic may still utilize other alternative app stores to distribute its games, as hinted by Sweeney, the Epic Games Store’s iOS ambitions seem out of reach for now.
Notably, the EU Commission has reportedly requested “further explanation” from Apple regarding its decision to terminate Epic’s developer account.