There is an ongoing feud between Epic Games and Apple. In fact, it has been on for a quiet few days. Alright, let’s look at the matter.
The Big Tweet
Epic Games took to its social media pages to inform everyone that Apple has now approved their game store. Trust me, you did not read it wrong; it is exactly as it is. After what seems like a long string of tweeting and replying back and forth, Apple approved the Epic Games Store. But, this is not the end of the story. Not even close.
Update: Apple has informed us that our previously rejected Epic Games Store notarization submission has now been accepted. https://t.co/tl5LY1aQD6
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) July 5, 2024
The Plot Twist
And just half an hour after this big news, Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney unleashed another shocker. He stated that Apple informed reporters that the approval was only temporary. Apple wants Epic to redesign some buttons in the next version of their store. Why? That is why Apple believes that the buttons look quite similar to their own and it is somewhat confusing.
Apple’s DMA saga has taken a turn towards the absurd.
Apple is now telling reporters that this approval is temporary and are demanding we change the buttons in the next version – which would make our store less standard and harder to use.
We’ll fight this. https://t.co/obwRoU7dWo
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 5, 2024
The Backstory
For those who have just joined this tech drama, allow me to take you back a little. Epic Games and Apple have been in conflict for quite some time now. This all began when Epic wanted to include its payment option in Fortnite without going through Apple and giving them 30% of the revenue. Well, Apple did not take it kindly and banned Epic from the App Store. This led to a long legal battle in the U. S; Epic sued Apple. A judge interjected that developers should have a mechanism to skip this 30% fee that Apple levies, although this was not satisfactory for either party. They both did and the case went as far as the Supreme Court, which declined to intervene. The justices probably had other more important things to do.
The EU Steps In
At the same time as this drama was playing out in the U. S. , the European Union enacted the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This act is like a new sheriff in town, safeguarding consumers against unfair practices by large organizations. The DMA pressured Apple into permitting third-party stores on iOS devices in Europe. Epic saw this as a golden opportunity and began increasing the pressure to get their store included on iOS. Still, Apple wasn’t planning to make it a walk in the park. They dismissed Epic’s submission because the position and appearance of the ‘install’ button resembled Apple’s ‘get’ button. Epic described this move as ‘arbitrary and disruptive,’ and made an appeal to the European Commission.
What’s Next?
Epic has its goal set on releasing the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in the EU within the next few months. But again, as we have witnessed in this discussion, Apple is not going to make it easy. They need those button changes, and no one knows what else they would come up with the next time. It is more like a game of chess where the players are constantly holding and protecting their pieces.
Why Should You Care?
For you if you are a gamer this may mean more options and potentially better value on iOS devices. Epic believes that their store should be easy to navigate and operation and more competition can benefit the users.
The Final Word (For Now)
Thus the Epic vs. Apple story goes on. Technically speaking, today’s news is good for Epic; however, this is far from the end of the battle. Will Epic change the buttons? Will there be more barriers to cross at Apple’s end? Wait for it, because this is a tech fable for the ages. All right, continue playing and watch the performance – it is going to become even more entertaining!
