Apple To Reinstate Epic's Developer Account After European Commission Gets Involved

Two days ago, Apple deactivated Epic's European Developer Account, basically wiping out Epic's Fortnite game and independently competing storefront on iOS in Europe. Following that move, the European Commission has inquired as to the reasons behind the move.

Apparently, Apple's motives for removing the developer account weren't quite up to snuff with the new Digital Marketing Act, seeing as how Apple has told the European Commission that it will reinstate Epic's developer account.

This is all according to the updated post on EpicGames.com. In an update to their original post, the following has now been added:

"Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!"

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, of course, also had to Tweet about it.

The DMA went through its first major challenge with Apple banning Epic Games Sweden from competing with the App Store, and the DMA just had its first major victory. Following a swift inquiry by the European Commission, Apple notified the Commission and Epic that it would relent…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 8, 2024

Of course, this is all just a fight over money from games. Epic wants to utilize the iOS platform without paying Apple the 30% they charge on transactions and Apple wants their 30% cut. Two rich companies bickering over money, how shocking.