Epic Games hands Fortnite and Epic Games Store over to Apple for notarization

Epic Games takes advantage of special EU App Store rules by submitting Fortnite and Epic Games Store to Apple for notarization. The move comes after Fortnite was banned from the App Store last year for bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system. However, thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act legislation, Epic Games now sees an opportunity to return to iOS in the European Union.

The Digital Markets Act requires gatekeepers like Apple to open up their platforms and allow third-party software. However, before being approved, apps must go through a notarization process that involves human review by Apple. This process can be lengthy and opaque, and can take months to complete. In addition, approved apps are subject to a Core Technology Fee, which requires a payment of 50 euro cents per install per year once the app has more than one million downloads.

Criticism has been raised by companies like Epic Games and Spotify regarding the fees and rules in Apple’s alternative business conditions. They claim that Apple is still not complying with the DMA. In fact, the European Commission recently opened a formal investigation into the Core Technology Fee and the rules surrounding it for alternative app markets.

While EU App Store regulations have given companies the opportunity to offer alternatives to the App Store, many have been hesitant due to the fees involved and compliance requirements set by Apple. However, given that Epic Games has notarized Fortnite and the Epic Games Store, they could be leading the way for others to follow suit.

Moving forward, these events underscore the ongoing debate about app store regulation and the power of gatekeepers in the app ecosystem. The outcome of the European Commission’s investigation into Apple’s practices is likely to have significant implications for the future of app distribution and competition in the industry.

Here are some additional facts relevant to the topic:

1. The European Union Digital Markets Act aims to prevent anti-competitive behavior by large technology companies such as Apple by requiring them to open their platforms to third-party software and services.

2. Apple has faced criticism from developers and lawmakers around the world over its App Store fees, which can range from 15% to 30% of in-app purchases and subscriptions.

3. In addition to Epic Games, other major companies such as Spotify and Match Group (owner of Tinder) have also expressed concerns about Apple’s App Store fees and policies.

4. The Basic Technology Fee, which requires a fee of 50 euro cents per year for each app installation once the number of downloads exceeds one million units, has been particularly controversial among developers.

5. The European Commission’s investigation into Apple’s practices is still ongoing and its findings could have wider implications for the app industry and app store regulation around the world.

Key questions and answers:
– What is the purpose of the EU Digital Markets Act?
The aim of the law is to prevent anti-competitive behaviour by big technology companies and promote a more open and competitive digital market.

– Why did Epic Games subject Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to notarization?
They are taking advantage of the EU App Store rules to potentially revert to the iOS platform in the European Union.

– What are the main objections to Apple’s App Store fees and policies?
Developers including Epic Games and Spotify say the fees are excessive and that Apple is not complying with the Digital Markets Act.

– What is the fee for the core technology?
This is a fee charged by Apple for apps that have more than one million downloads, amounting to 50 euro cents per install per year.

Main challenges and controversies related to the topic:
– The long and unclear process of notarizing app approval, which can take months, poses a challenge for developers.

– The European Commission’s investigation into Apple’s core technology fee and app market rules has sparked controversy and could lead to potential changes in the industry.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:
– The Digital Market Act gives businesses the opportunity to offer alternatives to Apple’s App Store and potentially increase competition.

– By submitting Fortnite and the Epic Games Store for notarization, Epic Games could open the door for other developers to follow suit and challenge Apple’s policies and fees.

Inconveniences:
– The notarial process can be time-consuming and does not guarantee approval, which can lead to delays and uncertainty for developers.

– The Core Technology Fee and other App Store fees can significantly impact developer profitability and hinder innovation in the app ecosystem.

Suggested related link:
European Commission – Press release