Epic Says Its EU iOS App Store is Approved but Apple Wants a Change

In a significant development for the gaming world, the Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has passed Apple’s notarization process, bringing it one step closer to directly selling apps to iOS users outside the traditional App Store. However, there’s a catch. According to AppleInsider, while Apple has confirmed the app’s initial approval, it has also requested Epic to "fix the buttons" in a future submission to the app review process.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney elaborated on this conditional approval via social media, describing Apple’s request as a demand to "change the buttons in the next version." Sweeney has vowed that Epic will "fight this," highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two tech giants. This conditional approval is the latest chapter in the long-standing saga between Apple and Epic, which has seen numerous legal and regulatory battles over app store policies and practices.

The Back-and-Forth Saga Continues

This development follows Apple’s decision to reinstate Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license after EU regulators began investigating Apple’s initial decision to revoke it. Epic had initially submitted the Epic Games Store app, including Fortnite, to Apple’s iOS notarization process at the beginning of the month. This process is a requirement for apps available outside the App Store in the EU.

However, Epic’s submission faced a setback when Apple rejected it, citing concerns over the app store’s “in-app purchases” label and “Install” button. Apple argued that these elements too closely resembled its own design and positioning for similar features. This design-related conflict is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of disputes between the two companies.

A Temporary Approval

While the current approval is a step forward for Epic, it is merely "temporary" according to Tim Sweeney. Apple’s request for button redesigns must be addressed in future submissions, creating another hurdle for Epic to overcome. The company’s determination to fight Apple’s demands indicates that this issue is far from resolved.

The Implications

This development has significant implications for the app ecosystem in the EU. Should Epic succeed in establishing an alternative app store on iOS, it could pave the way for greater competition and more options for consumers. However, the ongoing legal and regulatory battles suggest that such changes will not come easily.

Epic’s fight for a foothold in the iOS ecosystem reflects broader industry trends where developers are increasingly challenging the control exerted by platform holders like Apple. As regulatory scrutiny of app store practices intensifies globally, the outcome of this battle could influence future policies and market dynamics.

Conclusion

The approval of the Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones marks a crucial milestone in Epic’s ongoing battle with Apple. While the approval is a positive step, Apple’s request for button redesigns highlights the persistent challenges Epic faces in its quest to offer an alternative app store on iOS. As the saga continues, the broader implications for the app ecosystem and market competition will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates and in-depth coverage of this evolving story.