Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says it was Apple’s vengeful approach over ongoing cases.
On Wednesday, Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney announced that Apple has rejected their application for a developer account necessary to launch their app store in Europe.
Sweeney claims this move is retaliation against Epic’s antitrust lobbying efforts and their ongoing lawsuit against Apple.
Allegations of Retaliation by Apple
Sweeney quoted emails from Apple’s App Store chief Phil Schiller and the company’s legal team, suggesting that Apple’s actions are aimed at stifling competition rather than upholding fair business practices. Sweeney expressed disapproval, likening Apple’s tactics to those of a medieval feudal lord.
First Known Instance in Europe
This marks the first known instance of Apple denying a competing app store entry in Europe, raising concerns about the tech giant’s dominance in the region.
Background on the Lawsuit
The lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple challenged whether Fortnite could circumvent Apple’s App Store guidelines and avoid the standard 30% commission on game sales.
Although Epic lost the case, it resulted in modifications to Apple’s policies under California law.
Apple’s Defense
An Apple spokesperson defended the decision to reject Epic Games’ application, citing Epic’s breach of contractual obligations and continuous legal actions against Apple.
The spokesperson emphasized that Apple has the right to terminate agreements with entities under Epic Games’ control.
Response to European Regulations
In response to the Digital Markets Act, a new European law mandating big tech companies to open their platforms to competitors, Apple has begun to comply.
However, the company has expressed opposition to the law, citing concerns over user security and the potential impact on its business model.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple underscores the regulatory challenges facing the tech giant’s App Store revenue model.
As competition intensifies and regulatory scrutiny increases, Apple’s actions are likely to face further scrutiny, both in Europe and globally.