The ongoing feud between the Epic Games Store and Apple has reached a new milestone with the Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones passing Apple’s notarization process. While this marks a significant step towards the alternative app store’s goal of selling apps directly to iOS users outside of the App Store, the approval comes with a catch. Apple has requested Epic to “fix the buttons” in a future submission to the company’s app review process. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has characterized Apple’s request as a demand to change the buttons in the next version, and he has vowed to fight this decision.
This conditional approval is just the latest development in the ongoing battle between Apple and Epic. Previously, Apple reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license after EU regulators launched an investigation into Apple’s decision to revoke it. Epic had submitted both the Epic Games Store app and Fortnite to Apple’s iOS notarization process at the beginning of the month. However, Apple rejected the submission, citing concerns that the game store’s “in-app purchases” label and “Install” button were too similar in design and positioning to Apple’s own features.
The clash between Epic Games Store and Apple highlights the power struggle between tech giants and app developers. Epic’s efforts to bypass Apple’s strict App Store guidelines and establish its own direct app distribution platform have sparked a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the future of mobile app development and distribution. While Apple maintains that its policies are designed to protect user privacy and security, Epic argues that the tech giant’s dominance in the app store market stifles competition and innovation.
Epic’s determination to challenge Apple’s control over app distribution reflects a broader trend among developers seeking greater independence and flexibility in reaching their audience. As app stores continue to play a crucial role in the digital economy, the outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for how app developers interact with platform owners in the future. With both Apple and Epic digging in their heels, the battle for control over the app ecosystem is far from over.
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