The Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has achieved a significant milestone by passing Apple’s notarization process, bringing it closer to potentially selling apps directly to iOS users outside of Apple’s App Store ecosystem. This approval marks a notable development in the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple, which has seen various legal and regulatory battles unfold in recent years.
According to AppleInsider, while the app has been notarized, Apple has requested Epic Games to make changes to certain buttons in future app submissions through its review process.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney characterized this approval as “temporary,” emphasizing that Apple is demanding alterations to button designs in subsequent versions of the app. Sweeney pledged to contest Apple’s demands, underscoring the continued tension between the two tech giants.
This conditional approval follows previous maneuvers by both parties. Apple had reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s developer license in Europe after regulatory scrutiny, a move that appeared to precede Epic’s latest submission to the iOS notarization process.
The dispute has primarily centered around Epic’s attempt to offer alternative app distribution methods and payment systems on iOS, challenging Apple’s dominance over its App Store ecosystem.
Epic’s initial submission included both the Epic Games Store app and Fortnite, necessitating compliance with Apple’s rigorous notarization requirements for apps distributed outside of the App Store in the European Union.
However, Apple initially rejected the submission, citing concerns that certain elements of the app, such as the “in-app purchases” label and the “Install” button, closely resembled Apple’s own design and functionality, sparking further contention between the two companies.
While Epic Games’ achievement of passing Apple’s notarization process is a step forward, the conflict over app distribution policies and design control remains unresolved, reflecting broader industry debates over fair competition and platform governance in the digital marketplace.