The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires Apple to open third-party stores for iOS devices. However, after the act was passed, Apple canceled Epic Games’ developer account, and then faced EU sanctions against the company. Under pressure from the investigation, the company promised to restore the developer’s account as soon as possible.
On March 7, Epic Games announced on its official website that Apple had deleted the developer account of Epic Games Sweden AB, which was mainly responsible for bringing “Fornite” and the Epic Games Store to the iOS platform. The reason was not due to the account’s inactivity. Any violation, but the company’s public criticism of Apple’s plans to cooperate with the DMA.
After the account was canceled, Epic Games filed a complaint with the relevant EU authorities, and Apple was immediately investigated and promised to restore the account and related development qualifications as soon as possible.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney posted on It’s a huge victory.
The DMA went through its first major challenge with Apple banning Epic Games Sweden from competing with the App Store, and the DMA just had its first major victory. Following a swift inquiry by the European Commission, Apple notified the Commission and Epic that it would relent…
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 8, 2024
So far, Apple has not explained to the outside world the real reason for canceling the developer Epic Games. However, Apple has long been opposed to iOS opening up third-party malls, payment, App installation and other designs. It happens that Epic Games is an important role in promoting the EU DMA regulations. As one of the manufacturers, this incident inevitably makes people feel that Apple is deliberately suppressing dissent.
