After a two-day ban, Apple has decided to reinstate Epic Games developer account

Apple has overturned its decision to remove the Epic Games developer account after it was revealed that European Union officials were investigating the situation. The U-turn means Epic can introduce its own app store to iPhones and iPads in the EU. The publisher will also be able to bring Fortnite back to those devices more quickly, nearly four years after Apple booted the game off of the App Store over an in-app purchases dispute (a decision that sparked a lengthy legal struggle between the two parties). 

An Apple representative told Engadget, “Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA [Digital Markets Act] policies.” “As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Programme.”

In a blog post, Epic stated, “Apple has informed us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account.” “Developers will receive a clear message from the European Commission that enforcement of the Digital Markets Act and accountability of gatekeepers will happen quickly. Our plans to open the Epic Games Store and reintroduce Fortnite to iOS in Europe are proceeding as scheduled. Moving forward!”

This week, Apple terminated Epic games developer account, citing Epic’s lack of compliance with associated contractual obligations. According to its attorneys, Epic is “verifiably untrustworthy.”

Undoubtedly, the abrupt reversal has nothing to do with rumors that EU officials will question Apple on the ban. Epic said the choice was a “serious violation of the DMA.” That regulation just went into effect, requiring Apple to let third-party app shops on iOS in the European Union. Nevertheless, Apple continues imposing restrictions on businesses wishing to operate their iPhone app store.

This week, the European Union also penalized Apple nearly $2 billion for stifling independent music streaming apps on the App Store by prohibiting them from informing customers that they could join up for their services elsewhere at a cheaper price than through iOS. This was the EU’s first sanction imposed on Apple and the third-highest fine the bloc has ever levied. Apple is contesting the penalty.

Apple’s decision to back down from its recent dispute with Epic is unsurprising, given the significantly heavier fines that corporations face for not complying with the DMA—up to 10 percent of their yearly revenue—and the EU’s demonstrated willingness to use force when needed. In fact, according to Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic, Apple took a step back following “a swift inquiry by the European Commission.”