Apple to reinstate Epic Games' developer account after an EU order

Shortly after Apple terminated Epic Games' developer account, the EU Commission launched a probe against the Cupertino-based company to see if there's any violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). And a swift decision followed.

In an X post, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said that Apple will be reinstating the European developer account after the EU Commission enforced the DMA. The X post even suggests that the EU's decision paves the way for an Epic Games Store on iOS in Europe.

The DMA went through its first major challenge with Apple banning Epic Games Sweden from competing with the App Store, and the DMA just had its first major victory. Following a swift inquiry by the European Commission, Apple notified the Commission and Epic that it would relent…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 8, 2024

This has been a long-standing dispute between Apple and Epic Games, as the former does not allow third-party app stores on its platform, which directly violates EU's Digital Markets Act.

After further talks, Apple says Epic Sweden AB has agreed to play by the rules and its account will be reinstated after agreeing to the Apple Developer Program policies. Still, it sounds like Epic Games won't be backtracking on its commitment to bring Epic Games app store as well as Fortnite to iOS in Europe.

Source