EU forces Apple to lift Epic Games Store ban on iOS

In a significant development for gamers and app developers alike, Epic Games Store is coming to iOS in Europe after the continent’s DMA rules forced Apple to lift the ban.

The dispute between Epic and Apple began when the game maker bypassed Apple’s in-app purchase system in Fortnite. The move prompted the tech giant to remove the game from the App Store. In response, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of anti-competitive behavior and monopolistic practices.

In Epic’s 2023 year in review, the company stated Apple had reinstated its developer account, and iOS users could download Fortnite again. The Epic Games Newsroom X account has now confirmed that the Epic Games Store has returned to iOS in Europe. Epic Games Sweden AB, which is Epic’s Swedish branch, will operate the reinstated developer account.

EU DMA rules bring back the Epic Games Store to iOS

After years of living behind closed gates, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is finally forcing Apple to open up its ecosystem for third-party app stores in the continent. EU officials have even threatened Apple with “Strong Action” if it fails to meet the DMA regulations. Thanks to the DMA, Apple should allow app sideloading on iOS and let developers distribute their apps via third-party stores.

“I’ll be the first to acknowledge a good faith move by Apple amidst our cataclysmic antitrust battle, in granting Epic Games Sweden AB a developer account for operating Epic Games Store and Fortnite in Europe under the Digital Markets Act,” Epic’s CEO and founder Tim Sweeney said. Sweeney already described App Store changes as “Hot Garbage.”

The UK users will have to wait

Meanwhile, UK users should wait until the UK’s Digital Markets Bill passes Parliament. The bill could grant similar provisions to Epic Games and let it operate in the country. As a side note, the UK left the European Union in 2020. Therefore, DMA rules do not apply in the UK.

While this ruling is a positive step towards a more open App Store environment, the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple is far from over. Both companies are likely to continue their legal proceedings in other regions.