Just hours ago, Apple unveiled new App Store rule changes for developers in the European Union. However, this latest move has sparked anger from Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.
The ongoing conflict between Epic Games and Apple began in 2020 when Epic introduced a direct payment option within Fortnite on iOS, circumventing Apple’s 30% commission. In response, Apple removed the game from the App Store, leading Epic to file a lawsuit against Apple’s monopolistic practices regarding app distribution and in-app payments.
In the ensuing years, a court ruled that while Apple was not a monopoly, it had violated California law by preventing developers from linking to alternative payment methods. This resulted in an injunction requiring Apple to allow developers the freedom to direct users to external payment options.
In line with the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has implemented significant changes to the App Store for European developers, granting them greater freedom to promote their apps and utilize external links. However, alongside these changes, Apple has introduced new fees, including a 2% Initial Acquisition Fee for new users and a tiered pricing structure for Store Services that ranges from 5% to 13%.
Tim Sweeney has criticized these new fees, labeling Apple’s actions as “a malicious compliance scheme.” He argues it is fundamentally unfair and detrimental to competition.
Sweeney believes that the App Store should equally serve all developers, allowing them the autonomy to manage payments through various methods without unnecessary fees imposed by Apple. He advocates for a balanced system, akin to traditional desktop environments, that fosters innovation and growth while curbing the dominance of mobile app store monopolies.
In light of these ongoing regulatory challenges, there appears to be a trend where Apple adapts while maintaining its structures, often rebranding old practices with new terminologies.