“iOS Ecosystem at Risk: Apple Cancels Epic Games Developer Account Deeming it a ‘Menace’”

“iOS Ecosystem at Risk: Apple Cancels Epic Games Developer Account Deeming it a ‘Menace'”

The Apple-Epic saga has just taken a new turn today as the Fortnite game developer, Epic Games, shared that Apple has terminated its developer account. It was after agreeing to abide by its rules that Apple’s lawyers sent a letter terminating its Epic Games Sweden AB account. Epic claims the tech giant is retaliating against it for speaking out, as a letter penned by Apple exec Phil Schiller indicates. “You also testified that Epic deliberately violated Apple’s rules, to make a point and for financial gain. It noted, too, that its company has contractual relationships with Apple going back to 2010 for Epic’s Games, Unreal Engine, and other creator tools and Apple itself has been a public supporter of Epic’s Unreal Engine.

The ongoing dispute between Apple and Epic has taken yet another turn, with Apple announcing the termination of Epic’s developer account.

“In terminating Epic’s developer account, Apple is taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store. 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,”

Epic shared on their company blog, along with copies of their correspondence with Apple.

Epic alleges that one of the reasons for the account termination is their criticism of Apple’s proposed Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, including a tweet from their CEO Tim Sweeney. This is just the latest in a series of clashes between the two companies, as Epic has been vocal in their concerns about Apple’s power and influence over the app economy.

“You also testified that Epic deliberately violated Apple’s rules, to make a point and for financial gain. More recently, you have described our DMA compliance as ‘hot garbage,’ a ‘horror show,’ and a ‘devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.’ And you have complained about what you called ‘Junk Fees’ and ‘Apple taxes,”

writes Phil Schiller, an Apple executive, in a letter dated February 23, 2024.

Schiller goes on to express concern that Epic’s “colorful criticism” and past actions suggest they do not intend to follow the rules, and another intentional breach could pose a threat to the integrity, security, and privacy of the iOS platform and its users.

Despite the termination of their developer account, Epic maintains that they have adhered to their contractual agreements with Apple since 2010 and that Apple has been a public supporter of their Unreal Engine and other creator tools.

In the midst of this ongoing battle, Apple has been asked for comment on this latest development.