The ongoing saga between tech giants Apple and Epic Games has taken a dramatic turn as Apple announces the termination of Epic’s developer account.
This move comes as a shock to many, especially after the earlier approval of Epic’s account just last month. The termination throws into question the future of Fortnite on iOS devices in the EU, following the enactment of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the region.
Epic Games wasted no time in responding to Apple’s actions. In a scathing blog post, the game developer accused Apple of sabotaging competition and flouting the DMA.
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“In terminating Epic’s developer account, Apple is taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store,” Epic stated. “They are undermining our ability to be a viable competitor and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices.”
According to Epic, Apple cited various reasons for terminating the account, including Epic’s criticism of Apple’s proposed DMA rules and CEO Tim Sweeney’s remarks on social media. This move by Apple appears to be a direct response to Epic’s ongoing legal battles and advocacy for increased regulation of Apple’s control over the app economy.
Apple’s decision was further justified by Phil Schiller, an Apple executive, in a letter dated February 23, 2024. Schiller pointed to Epic’s past breaches of agreements with Apple and accused the company of deliberate violations for financial gain. He expressed concerns that Epic’s actions could compromise the integrity and security of the iOS platform.
In response to Epic’s allegations, Apple issued a statement reaffirming its decision to terminate the developer’s account. The company cited a court judgment from September 2021, which granted Apple the right to terminate agreements with Epic Games subsidiaries at its discretion. Apple said that Epic Games Sweden had entered into the Apple Developer Program License Agreement through a click-through agreement, which did not undergo executive review.
“Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion.’ In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right,” the Cupertino giant said in a statement.
This latest development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games. It raises questions about the future of competition in the app economy and the extent of Apple’s control over its platform. As both companies dig in their heels, the fallout from this decision is likely to reverberate across the tech industry for months to come.
It’s worth noting that Epic Games has had a long-standing relationship with Apple, dating back to 2010, with agreements covering Epic Games, Unreal Engine, and other creator tools. However, recent clashes between the two companies have strained their once-cooperative partnership.