Apple reinstates Epic developer account two days after banning it

Apple reversed its decision to ban Epic Games developer accounts after EU officials were investigating the issue. The shift means Epic will be able to launch its own app store on iPhone and iPad in the EU.Publishers will also be able to more easily bring fort night The devices are back in the EU, nearly four years after Apple kicked the game out of the App Store over an in-app purchase dispute – a decision that sparked a lengthy legal battle between the two sides.

“After speaking with Epic, they committed to following the rules, including our DMA [Digital Markets Act] an Apple spokesperson told Engadget. “As a result, Epic Scienceland AB has been allowed to re-enter the Developer Agreement and accept the Apple Developer Program.”

“Apple has told us and promised the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer accounts,” Epic wrote in an updated blog post. “This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act quickly.” action to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are on track to launch the Epic Games Store and bring fort night Back to iOS in Europe. forward! “

Apple closed Epic’s developer account earlier this week, saying Epic was unlikely to abide by relevant contractual agreements. Its lawyer said Epic “truly cannot be trusted.”

The sudden about-face certainly has nothing to do with reports that EU regulators plan to question Apple over the ban. Epic claimed the decision was a “serious violation of the DMA.” Under the law that just came into effect, Apple must allow third-party app stores to operate on iOS in the EU. However, Apple is still forcing companies that want their own app marketplaces on the iPhone to abide by its rules.

Also this week, the European Union fined Apple nearly $2 billion for banning third-party music streaming apps from the App Store by telling users they could sign up elsewhere for less cost than through iOS. Subscribe to its services. This is the EU’s first fine against Apple and the third-largest fine in the EU’s history. Apple is appealing the fine.

Considering that companies face stiffer penalties for not complying with the DMA (up to 10% of their annual revenue), and the EU has shown that it is ready to exercise its powers if necessary, it is not surprising that Apple is abandoning the latest repeal. with epic. In fact, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney explain Apple retracted its position after “a swift investigation by the European Commission.”