The Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has successfully passed Apple’s notarization process, which is a significant development in the ongoing battle between Apple and Epic Games. This puts the alternative app store one step closer to being able to sell apps directly to iOS users outside of the traditional App Store. Apple has confirmed the approval of the app, but with a caveat – they have requested Epic to “fix the buttons” in a future submission to their app review process. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has characterized this approval as “temporary,” indicating that Apple is demanding changes to the buttons in the next version of the app. Sweeney has also expressed the company’s intention to “fight this,” setting the stage for a potential confrontation between the two tech giants.
This conditional approval marks just the latest chapter in the ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic. Previously, Apple had revoked Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license, only to reinstate it after facing scrutiny from EU regulators. Epic’s submission of the store, along with the popular game Fortnite, to Apple’s iOS notarization process was met with rejection initially. Apple cited concerns that the in-app purchases label and the “Install” button were too similar in design and positioning to Apple’s own features. This disagreement highlights the differing perspectives of the two companies when it comes to app design and functionality.
The approval of the Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones signals a potential shift in the app ecosystem, particularly in terms of competition and consumer choice. If Epic is ultimately able to sell apps directly to iOS users outside of the App Store, it could disrupt Apple’s current monopoly on app distribution and revenues. This could have far-reaching implications for both companies and for the wider tech industry as a whole. The outcome of this ongoing battle will likely shape the future landscape of app development and distribution on iOS devices.
As Apple and Epic continue to navigate the complexities of app approval and distribution, the tech world watches closely to see how this clash will unfold. The stakes are high for both companies, with billions of dollars in revenue and the fundamental principles of app development at play. The resolution of this conflict will not only impact the two companies directly involved but also set a precedent for how app developers interact with major platforms in the future. It remains to be seen how this saga will conclude, but one thing is certain – the Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has set the stage for a dramatic showdown between tech giants.
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