Epic Games has accused Apple of obstructing its efforts to establish a games store on iPhones and iPads across Europe, intensifying their ongoing dispute over Apple’s control of the iOS app ecosystem.
According to statements from Epic Games, Apple has twice rejected its submissions for launching the Epic Games Store in Europe, citing similarities in design elements such as button and label conventions used in the App Store. Epic Games contends that these conventions are standard across multiple platforms and comply with industry norms.
“We are using the same ‘Install’ and ‘In-app purchases’ naming conventions that are used across popular app stores on multiple platforms, and are following standard conventions for buttons in iOS apps,” Epic Games stated in a series of communications.
Epic Games further criticized Apple’s rejections as arbitrary and obstructive, alleging violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company has escalated its concerns to the European Commission, urging regulatory intervention.
Earlier this year, under pressure from European regulators, Apple had initially allowed Epic Games to proceed with launching its own game store on iOS devices in Europe. However, ongoing disputes over app store policies and commission fees have persisted between the two tech giants.
Apple and the European Commission have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The conflict between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020, when Epic Games filed a lawsuit alleging that Apple’s commission structure for in-app payments on iOS devices violated U.S. antitrust laws. In response to regulatory pressures, Apple proposed updates to its App Store policies earlier this year to align with directives of the DMA, aimed at fostering competition and consumer choice within the European market.
