July 9th, 2024

Apple approves Epic Games Store app for iOS

Apple approved the Epic Games Store app for iOS in the EU after rejections. Changes required. CEO criticizes demands. Dispute over app store policies and revenue sharing continues. Launch pending.

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Apple approves Epic Games Store app for iOS

Apple has finally approved the Epic Games Store app for iOS in the European Union after two rejections. This move comes after Apple announced plans to allow third-party app stores on iOS in compliance with the Digital Markets Act. Despite the approval, Apple still requires Epic to make changes to the app's buttons and copy in the future. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple's demands, stating they would make the store less user-friendly. The approval marks a significant development in the ongoing disputes between Epic and Apple over app store policies and revenue sharing. The Epic Game Store is set to launch soon for iPhone and iPad users in the EU, pending the completion of key components like the mobile payment system. The situation remains contentious as both companies navigate the complexities of app store regulations and competition concerns.

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Link Icon 4 comments
By @gcp123 - 5 months
Apple is doing everything it can to add friction to this process for Epic.

It rejected this store because of the button design.

Then approved it “temporarily” after Epic brought attention to the triviality of the decision.

Temporary, pending Epic changing the buttons.

By @darknavi - 5 months
*for the European market.

(the HN title is faithful to the original article)

By @nickpp - 5 months
Is there a switch to turn this crap off? Especially on my parents’ iPhones. I don’t want to have to explain them “which App Store did you get this app from”. They have enough trouble grokking the app/web app distinction as is. I just don’t want them to be able to install other app stores, by mistake or otherwise.