Topics
late
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:CHRIS DELMAS/AFP / Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:CHRIS DELMAS/AFP / Getty Images
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
endeavor
EVs
Fintech
fund-raise
contraption
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
concealment
Robotics
Security
societal
Space
startup
TikTok
transport
speculation
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
telecasting
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
After multiple rejections , Apple has okay Fortnite Godhead Epic Games ’ third - political party app marketplace for launch in the EU . As now permitted by the EU ’s Digital Markets Act ( DMA ) , Epicannouncedearlier this year it plan to contribute both the digital shopfront and its flagship plot , Fortnite , back to Io in Europe . However , on Friday , Epic Games accept to X ( formerly Twitter ) to kvetch that Apple had decline its submission doubly over concerns that its Games Store looked too much like Apple ’s App Store . Epic then order it would take the matter to European regulators for brushup .
later on in the day , Apple approved the third - party marketplace app on the condition that Epic Games would make the necessary corrections in a subsequent update .
According toposts on X , Epic Games ab initio said Apple had rejected its submission over item like the position of its “ Install ” button for games , which Apple said is too interchangeable to its own “ Get ” release . It also said that it was rejected for its “ in - app purchase ” label being too much like Apple ’s label .
3/3 Apple ’s rejection is arbitrary , obstructive , and in trespass of the DMA , and we ’ve share our concerns with the European Commission . bar further roadblocks from Apple , we persist quick to plunge in the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in the EU in the next duad of …
Epic indicate that it ’s using the same naming conventions that are standard across popular app storage on other platforms .
The companionship also call the rejection “ arbitrary , obstructive , and in violation of the DMA , ” and enunciate it has share its concerns with the European Commission .
In the good afternoon on Friday , Apple say it had approved the Epic Sweden AB Marketplace app but added the secret plan Creator would still need to make the location Apple requires . As per Section 2.3 ( G ) of Apple ’s developer agreement , Epic Games had harmonise not to make its Games Store appear bewilderingly like to the App Store , the iPhone maker said . Apple remark that Epic had generally come this guideline , except for the design and transcript of the download button .
Apple also said that Epic Games ’ Fortnite app has already been approved .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Epic ’s typeface stand for a mellow - visibility example of how stringent Apple will be with the new normal that permit third - political party app depot on iOS for the first time . Excessive rejections could also deter other developers interested in try out the waters with their own statistical distribution line .
Under the DMA ’s new rule , Apple is required to allow third - party app stores on the iPhone as the technical school giant was deemed a “ gatekeeper ” under EU law . App developer can also flip to a Seth of new DMA rules that take into account them to contract commission on in - app purchase on the App Store , though the physical process still involves fees under acomplicated new structurethat has developers paying Apple for the exercise of its technology instead .
Epic has been combat Apple for class for a way of reaching its customers on the iPhone without stimulate to ante up commission on in - app purchases . The company took the fount to the Margaret Court in the U.S. , where it ultimately lost on most front , having fail to prove Apple was a monopoliser . But Epic’scontinuedcomplaints saw Apple brieflyterminatingthe game maker ’s developer account in the EU , before EU regulatorsagain step in . Since then , Epic Games has consecrate to launch Fortnite on iOS andiPadin the EU and bring its Games Store to the grocery store .
Epicconfirmedthe approval of its marketplace app on X and in an email with TechCrunch .
Update : Apple has inform us that our previously rejected Epic Games Store notarization meekness has now been accepted.https://t.co/tl5LY1aQD6
Update , 7/5/24 , 5:28 PM ET This post was update from its original version with the belated ontogenesis imply Apple ’s favorable reception of Epic Games ’ marketplace app in the EU . Epic has since saidit ’s dispute the call for changes .
