This week was marked by the launch of iOS 17.4, with changes to the Apple ecosystem to comply with the new DMA rules imposed by the European Union. This means that Apple can no longer block browsers other than Safari from being set as default. or the possibility for users to install other application stores parallel to the App Store.
A The entry into force of the new Digital Markets Law (DMA), which forced changes at Apple’s home in the European market, was applauded by Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite. “Apple, the world is paying attention”, were words published on the Fortnite account, announcing the return to iOS, through the Epic Store, since according to the new law, it cannot be prevented from being installed on the iPhone and iPad.
But even the new version of the operating system has not yet settled and the veneer between Apple and Epic Games has already cracked again. A The company led by Tim Cook did not react well to the previous provocation and closed Epic Games’ developer account. According to the company in statementafter his account created from his Swedish branch was approved, which had the aim of launching his Epic Store and Fortnite on iOS, under the new law, his account was closed.
The publisher says it is unable to develop the iOS version of its Epic Games Store. “It is a serious violation of the DMA and shows that Apple has no intention of allowing true competition on iOS devices.” The company invokes article 6.4 of the DMA law, which states that gatekeepers must allow and technically open the installation of third-party applications or stores. “By blocking Epic’s developer account, Apple is eliminating one of the biggest potential competitors to the Apple App Store”, the note reads.
In its message, Epic Games also states that by eliminating its ability to compete, it is sending a message to other developers about what happens when they try to compete with Apple or who are critical of its unfair practices. “If Apple maintains the power to eliminate third-party companies from iOS, in its own discretion, no developer will be able to use its app store, because at any time it could be separated from its audience.”.
A Epic Games accuses Apple of having justified the cancellation of the account due to the public criticism that the Fortnite company made of the way in which the apple technology company presented its plan to comply with the DMA. Despite allowing the practice of sideloading applications outside the App Store and alternative marketplaces, these must be done according to Apple’s “templates”. Epic Games, together with Spotify and Deezer, a total of 34 entities, published a joint letter accusing Apple of not complying with the rules with the changes it announced.
Apple will have cited some of the posts by Epic Games leader Tim Sweeney on the social network X, namely the monopolistic accusations of applications and another where it says accused of being a “hater” from Apple, which it denies. On the other hand, Apple has justified to Epic Games that the company is a threat to its ecosystem, but considers it an unjustified excuse to eliminate its accounts. “Apple has long been a supporter of the Unreal engine. And we have established contractual relationships with Apple since 2010, with the Unreal engine and other creation tools.”
A publisher points out the various games that were launched on the App Store created with its tools over more than a decade, from Epic Citadel, Rocket League Sideswipe, Horizon Chase 2, Wonderbox, as well as experimental support for Apple Vision Pro from the Unreal engine. The “soap opera” continues with the exposure of emails exchanged between legal representatives.
2024-03-07 12:17:00
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