Apple cancels Epic Games' developer account

In the latest escalation in a bitter battle over app store fees charged by Apple, the iPhone maker has terminated Epic Games' developer account. Epic Games said it had intended to use the developer account to bring its online marketplace, Epic Games Store, and the Fortnite game to iOS devices, further adding that this is a clear violation of the Digital Markets Act and shows Apple has no intention of allowing true competition on iOS devices.

According to Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, this move is retaliation by Apple, stemming from Epic’s antitrust lobbying efforts, and their ongoing lawsuit against Apple. He quoted emails from Phil Schiller, the Apple App Store chief Phil Schiller, and Apple’s legal team.

Sweeney expressed his disapproval of Apple’s actions. He stated, “The manner in which Apple is going about killing Epic here as a competitor to the App Store is super egregious. This is the medieval feudal lord, mounting the skulls of their former enemies on their castle walls.”

This marks the first known instance of Apple denying a competing app store entry in Europe.

The lawsuit challenged whether Fortnite could circumvent Apple’s App Store guidelines and avoid the standard 30% commission on game sales.

Despite Epic losing the case, the lawsuit modified Apple’s policies under California law.