Apple Approves Epic Games Third-Party App Store After Initially Being Criticized For It

The latest move from Apple was to approve Epic Games' case in the European Union for launching its third-party app store in the region, with a soon availability of this platform on iOS. This was after Apple rejected its request to bring over its app marketplace to EU's iOS twice, with Epic recently criticizing Cupertino's decision via its social media account.

It was revealed that the latest reason for its app marketplace's rejection of Apple's platform was its similarities to the App Store.

Apple Approves Epic Games' Third-Party App Store in the EU

After fighting for their rights to deliver a third-party app marketplace for iOS in the EU, Apple let go of its massive hold against Epic Games and has approved its application, according to Reuters. This was after Epic Games applied for it twice and got rejected both times, with the latest rejection resulting in a post from Epic criticizing Apple's move.

For now, Epic Games' third-party iOS app marketplace is still in the works. The company claims it will drop in several months but is on track for this year.

This dedicated third-party app store will only be available in the EU and will feature Epic apps and games, including the long-awaited return of Fortnite to iOS in the region.

Epic Games' Complaint Against Apple's Initial Rejection

Before this approval, it is known that Epic Games posted a massive thread via X that talked about its third-party app marketplace's rejection on Apple's platform in the EU earlier today. The company said that Apple claimed that Epic's app store has similarities to Cupertino's, including the "Install" button and the "in-app purchases."

Epic Games further criticized Apple for its alleged violation of the DMA.

Apple and Epic Games' Feud Over the Years

Since 2020, the feud between Apple and Epic Games has been apparent in the tech industry, as it was known that Cupertino banned Fortnite first and then Epic's developer account after violating the App Store's terms. Later, Epic took the fight to Apple with an antitrust complaint against the renowned tech giant, and both saw this lengthy battle occur.

Both sides saw different losses and won in court, with many Apple and Epic petitions getting denied, but some were granted. Earlier this year, Apple's petition was denied by the Supreme Court, which prompted the upcoming availability of third-party iOS payments, which Apple tried to fight against for a long time, especially as it tried to delay applying these changes.

While most of the two companies' fight took place in the United States, both have a separate case in the European Union, especially with what the Digital Markets Act brought. The EU now has a presence of third-party app marketplaces from other providers, but not from Epic Games, until the latest move from Apple, which approved it earlier today and is soon to be available.