Epic Games' ambitious plans to launch its own app store on iOS have hit a major roadblock after Apple terminated its developer account. The move comes just days after Epic CEO Tim Sweeney publicly criticized Apple's implementation of the Digital Markets Act regulation, which allows third-party app stores on iOS in the EU.

According to a letter from Apple's lawyers, the tech giant has called Epic "verifiably untrustworthy" and believes that the company will not comply with its contractual commitments under its developer agreement. The termination of Epic's developer account effectively puts a halt to its plans to launch an app store on iOS, which would have allowed Fortnite and other games to be re-released on the platform.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about his concerns regarding Apple's implementation of the DMA regulation, calling it "hot garbage" and accusing the company of forcing developers to choose between App Store exclusivity and unfair terms. In a briefing with reporters, Sweeney suggested that Epic could still bring Fortnite back to iOS via another company's third-party app store in the European Union.

The disagreement between Epic and Apple comes as the DMA regulation goes into effect this week, requiring tech giants like Apple to allow alternative app stores on their platforms. Apple has cited concerns about Epic's past behavior, including its breach of agreement with Apple in 2020 by adding third-party payment support to Fortnite on iOS, which resulted in its removal from the App Store.

In a statement, Apple alluded to its earlier ongoing ban on Epic's accounts, stating that Epic's "egregious breach of its contractual obligations" led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate any or all of Epic Games' wholly owned subsidiaries and affiliates at any time and at Apple's sole discretion.

Epic has accused Apple of "taking out one of the largest potential competitors to the Apple App Store," undermining its ability to be a viable competitor, and showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices. The developer plans to continue fighting to bring true competition to the mobile game development industry.

Target Keyword: Mobile Game Development