Apple has approved Epic Games Store’s notarization submission for iOS devices after initially rejecting it twice.
This marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two tech giants, following a years-long dispute over app store policies and revenue sharing.
The approval allows Epic to distribute its software on iOS devices outside the Apple App Store, provided it passes through Apple’s notary service. This service scans software for malicious content and checks for code-signing issues, ensuring the integrity and safety of apps available on iOS.
On July 5, Epic shared that Apple had rejected their iOS game store submission twice, citing similarities between Epic’s “Install” and Apple’s “Get” buttons, as well as issues with the in-app purchase labels. Epic argued that these naming conventions are standard across multiple platforms and intended to be user-friendly.
Despite the initial rejections, Apple eventually accepted the submission. However, the iPhone maker requested changes to the user interface in future versions, a condition Epic is contesting.
Apple has told some press channels that, though they have approved our current EGS iOS App for notarization, they are still demanding Epic change the user interface in a future version. Epic is disputing this. https://t.co/fKHWbhBRvj
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) July 6, 2024
This approval comes in the context of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which allows for alternative payment methods and app stores on Apple devices. Epic accused Apple of violating the DMA by blocking its initial attempts to launch on iOS, and the European Commission is investigating these claims.
Earlier this year, Apple reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license, which had been revoked. The EU Commission also found Apple’s rules to be non-compliant with the DMA, as they restricted app developers from directing consumers to alternative channels.
Epic plans to launch the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS in the EU within the next few months, barring any further roadblocks. This development represents a critical step forward in offering alternative app stores on iOS, potentially reshaping the app distribution landscape in Europe.
In adjacent news, the Xbox Mobile Game Store for Android and iOS is set to debut this month.