In a significant concession, Apple has reversed course and allowed Epic Games to bring Fortnite and its own app store back onto iPhones and iPads in Europe. This move comes after pressure from European regulators and the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The dispute between the two companies began in 2020 when Epic bypassed Apple's in-app payment system, leading to Fortnite's removal from the App Store. Epic argued that Apple's high commission fees were anti-competitive.
Apple's shift aligns with the recently introduced DMA, which prohibits tech giants like Apple and Google from controlling app distribution on their mobile platforms. The EU's industry chief, Thierry Breton, praised Apple's decision, suggesting the DMA is already having a positive impact.
Following Apple's reinstatement of Epic's developer account, Epic Games confirmed plans to re-launch both the Epic Games store and Fortnite for European iOS users. This move signifies the EU's resolve to enforce the DMA and hold tech companies accountable for their app store practices.
