BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) has asked Apple to provide additional explanations regarding its decision to halt Epic Games’ efforts to develop a competing app store for its devices, EU regulators announced on Thursday. The move comes as the European Commission, the EU’s antitrust regulator, scrutinizes whether Apple violated any laws in its actions.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that they had requested further clarification from Apple under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark legislation aimed at promoting competition in the digital sphere. The DMA mandates major tech companies to open up their platforms to competition, including allowing rival application stores on devices.
Six major tech firms designated as “gatekeepers” were given until the end of Thursday to comply with the stringent new DMA rules.
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, recently disclosed that Apple had rejected its initial attempt to introduce its own stores on iPhones, which Epic views as retribution for publicly criticizing Apple’s policies.
“We see Apple’s decision to block us from competing as a blatant effort to kneecap their leading competitor as enabled by the DMA,” stated Epic CEO Tim Sweeney.
EU, Apple Feud Over Epic Games
The European Commission spokesperson also indicated that they were evaluating whether Apple’s actions raised doubts about its compliance with two other EU laws regulating digital players: the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Platform-to-Business regulation.
Apple’s closure of Epic’s developer account, which occurred on March 2, has sparked further controversy. Epic alleges that Apple’s actions demonstrate a lack of intention to allow true competition on Apple devices.
In response, an Apple spokesperson cited Epic’s breach of contractual obligations and past defiance of app store rules as justifying the termination of Epic’s activities.
Epic Games and its supporters are calling for swift action in response to what they perceive as a clear violation of the DMA. Corie Wright, vice president of public policy for Epic Games, emphasized the importance of holding Apple accountable for its actions within the framework of the law.
