EU Demands "Further Explanations" From Apple Over Feud With Epic Games

The European Union requests Apple to justify blocking Epic Games' attempt to offer an alternative app store on its devices.

EU competition authorities are assessing if Apple's move breaches the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which demands major tech firms to allow competition, including rival app stores, on their platforms.

Epic Games, known for Fortnite, claims Apple rejected its app store proposal in retaliation for criticizing Apple publicly, a move Epic CEO Tim Sweeney deems as an abuse of the new DMA provisions.

The EU is also reviewing Apple's compliance with two other laws due to the link between its developer program and the App Store. Under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), Apple must ensure suspensions are fair and respect fundamental rights. Additionally, Apple must inform businesses of changes to terms or account terminations as per the EU Platform-to-Business regulation.

Epic Games has been actively challenging Apple and Google for their control over app distribution and high commission fees. Although the DMA addresses these concerns, Apple's recent actions suggest challenges in implementing the new rules.

Apple terminated Epic's developer account on March 2nd, on the premise that Epic violated Apple's app store guidelines, a stance backed by prior court rulings according to an Apple spokesperson.

Epic views the rejection as proof that Apple won't permit fair competition on its devices. Sweeney urges immediate action against Apple’s alleged DMA violations. Corie Wright, Epic's vice president of public policy, expresses confidence that the DMA targets such behavior.