Epic Games' Proposed iOS App Store Rejected by Apple: A Violation of the Digital Markets Act?

Epic claimed rejection was arbitrary and obstructive, violation of Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Epic Games proposed iOS App Store rejected by Apple
Epic submitted iOS version of Epic Games Store, twice rejected by Apple
Proposed app store would allow direct downloads without visiting App Store
Epic Games' Proposed iOS App Store Rejected by Apple: A Violation of the Digital Markets Act?

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has publicly criticized Apple after its proposal for a rival iOS App Store was rejected by the tech giant. The proposed app store would allow iPhone and iPad users to download games directly onto their devices without visiting Apple's App Store. Epic claimed that Apple's rejection was arbitrary and obstructive, as well as a violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. The DMA is a new EU rule that requires tech companies to allow alternatives to their own brand app stores on European iPhones and iPads.

Epic submitted an iOS version of its Epic Games Store last week, but Apple rejected it twice, citing similarities between the design of Epic's



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Is Apple's rejection truly arbitrary and obstructive?
  • Is Epic Games Store in full compliance with DMA requirements?

Sources

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple had previously rejected the store twice, claiming similarities between an ‘Install’ button and ‘in-app purchases’ labels to their own elements.
    • Epic argued that these rejections were arbitrary and in violation of the Digital Markets Act, reporting the issue to the European Commission.
    • Apple has relented and approved Epic’s previously rejected submission.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple rejected the store twice, claiming similarities between an 'Install' button and 'in-app purchases' labels to their own elements.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Epic Games publicly criticized Apple after its proposal for a rival iOS App Store was rejected by the company.
    • Epic submitted an iOS version of the Epic Games Store last week, which would allow iPhone and iPad users to download games without visiting Apple’s App Store.
    • Epic claimed that Apple’s rejection was arbitrary, obstructive, and in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and has already shared its concerns with the European Commission.
    • Epic Games Store is already available on PC, Mac, and Android but not on Google Play.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple has approved the Epic Games Store for iPhone and iPad in the European Union.
    • Epic accused Apple of arbitrary and obstructive actions for rejecting its proposed iOS app store in EU.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Epic Games accused Apple of arbitrary and obstructive actions for rejecting its proposed iOS app store in EU.
    • Epic is using standard conventions for buttons in iOS apps and following regulatory best practices for disclosing in-app purchases.
    • Epic has long feuded with Apple over its 30 percent cut of in-app purchases and restrictions on purchasing methods, leading to a legal battle.
    • In 2020, Epic attempted to bypass the App Store’s payment system as a protest.
  • Accuracy
    • Apple rejected Epic’s notarization submissions for the competing app store, citing similarities between 'Install' and 'In-app purchases' labels.
    • Epic argued that these rejections were arbitrary and in violation of the Digital Markets Act, reporting the issue to the European Commission.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Apple has accepted the Epic Games Store in the European Union after previously rejecting it.
    • Epic Games publicly accused Apple of violating EU law by rejecting their application.
    • Epic Games posted about the rejection on their newsroom account, which received over 811,400 views and 5,000 likes.
  • Accuracy
    • The rejection was due to similarities between Epic’s ‘Install’ button and Apple’s ‘Get’ button, as well as similarities between Epic’s ‘In-app purchases’ label and the App Store’s label.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication