The Apple-Epic saga has simply taken a brand new flip right this moment because the Fortnite recreation developer, Epic Video games, shared that Apple has terminated its developer account. It is a reversal from Apple’s earlier approval of the account last month, which Epic stated would enable it to deliver again Fortnite to iOS gadgets within the EU by the use of the area’s new legislation, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). However Epic now says Apple’s attorneys have despatched it a letter saying it’s terminating its Epic Video games Sweden AB account — a transfer Epic calls a “serious violation of the DMA” and a sign that Apple has no intention of “allowing true competition on iOS devices.”
“In terminating Epic’s developer account, Apple is taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store. They are undermining our ability to be a viable competitor and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices,” writes Epic on its firm weblog, the place it has additionally printed copies of its correspondence with Apple.
The sport developer alleges that one of many causes Apple supplied to assist its determination was Epic’s criticism of Apple’s proposed DMA guidelines, including this post on X (previously Twitter) by Epic Video games CEO Tim Sweeney. In fact, Epic has been a thorn in Apple’s facet, having taken it to court docket over antitrust considerations and lobbying for rules in a number of markets to crack down on Apple’s energy and affect over the app financial system. Consequently, Apple would reasonably be accomplished with Epic, it appears. Based on Epic, Apple reportedly instructed the corporate that it’s “a threat to their ecosystem.”
Nonetheless, Epic stated that it has publicly shared its intentions after which once more assured Apple in writing that it could agree with all of the phrases of its developer agreements after requesting one of many DMA consultations that Apple is providing its App Retailer builders. (The request was initially denied). It was after agreeing to abide by its guidelines that Apple’s attorneys despatched a letter terminating its Epic Video games Sweden AB account.
Epic claims the tech big is retaliating in opposition to it for talking out, as a letter penned by Apple exec Phil Schiller signifies.
“In the past, Epic has entered into agreements with Apple and then broken them,” Schiller reminds the sport maker within the letter dated Feb. 23, 2024. “You also testified that Epic deliberately violated Apple’s rules, to make a point and for financial gain. More recently, you have described our DMA compliance as ‘hot garbage,’ a ‘horror show,’ and a ‘devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.’ And you have complained about what you called ‘Junk Fees’ and ‘Apple taxes.”
Schiller means that Epic’s “colorful criticism” mixed with its previous actions “strongly suggests that Epic Sweden does not intend to follow the rules.” He provides that one other intentional breach might “threaten the integrity of the iOS platform, as well as the security and privacy of users.”
“…in plain, unqualified terms, please tell us why we should trust Epic at this time,” he concludes.
It famous, too, that its firm has contractual relationships with Apple going again to 2010 for Epic’s Video games, Unreal Engine, and different creator instruments and Apple itself has been a public supporter of Epic’s Unreal Engine.
Apple has been requested for remark.
