After multiple rejections, Apple has approved Epic Games‘ app marketplace for iPhones and iPads in Europe.
This follows a brief escalation in the ongoing feud between the two tech giants.
Epic Games accused Apple of blocking their marketplace app, claiming Apple rejected their submissions twice due to minor design similarities with the App Store. Specifically, Apple took issue with the “Install” button and “In-app purchases” label on the Epic Games Store.
3/3 Apple's rejection is arbitrary, obstructive, and in violation of the DMA, and we've shared our concerns with the European Commission. Barring further roadblocks from Apple, we remain ready to launch in the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in the EU in the next couple of…
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) July 5, 2024
This decision comes amidst growing scrutiny over Apple’s control of the iOS app ecosystem. The European Union recently passed the Digital Markets Act, which aims to curb the power of large tech companies like Apple and Google.
Following Epic’s public complaint, Apple reversed course and greenlit the app. However, Apple maintains that the initial rejections were related to the design elements and not a strategic move against Epic Games.
