Epic Store debuts on EU iPhones

Epic Games has launched its own app store on iPhones in the EU. The launch comes in the wake of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which has compelled Apple to open its platform to third-party app marketplaces.

EU iPhone users can now access the Epic Games Store by visiting Epic's website on their devices, provided they are running iOS 17.4 or later. The store's initial offering is limited, featuring Epic's own titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe, with plans to expand...

16 August 2024 | App Stores

Google: Third-party stores in Play Store would cost over $61M

In the wake of Epic Games' victory against Google last December, where a jury ruled that the Google Play app store and Google Play Billing constitute illegal monopolies, the tech giant has revealed the potential costs of implementing court-ordered changes to Android.

Google estimates that integrating third-party app stores within its Play Store would cost between $61.3 million and $137 million, according to documents submitted to the court. This comes in response to Judge James...

25 June 2024 | Android

Unreal Engine 5.4 brings animation, rendering, and AI upgrades

Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.4, packed with new features and improvements aimed at benefiting game developers and creators across industries. The latest version delivers toolsets used internally by Epic to build high-profile releases like Fortnite Chapter 5, Rocket Racing, Fortnite Festival, and LEGO Fortnite.

"Unreal Engine 5.4 is here, and it's packed with new features and improvements to performance, visual fidelity, and productivity that will benefit game developers...

24 April 2024 | Artificial Intelligence

Apple responds to accusation of skirting antitrust ruling

Apple has requested that a judge dismisses a new complaint by Epic Games, which accuses the Cupertino-based company of failing to adhere to an earlier antitrust ruling.

The dispute initially ignited when Epic Games implemented its own in-app payment system within the iPhone platform, effectively sidestepping the App Store's standard 30 percent commission fee. Apple retaliated by expelling Epic from the App Store, citing a clear violation of its terms and conditions.

The...

15 April 2024 | App Stores

Epic to launch iOS and Android store with controversial 12% cut

In the ongoing saga of tech giants battling over App Store fees and policies, Epic Games is being accused of hypocrisy as it attempts to introduce its own 12 percent commission store.

The gaming company – joined by heavyweights like Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match Group – is protesting against Apple's handling of App Store fees and its anti-steering policy in California.

Following a series of legal battles between Apple and Epic, which mostly ended in Apple's favour, a...

21 March 2024 | Android

Apple faces EU scrutiny for terminating Epic’s developer account

Apple finds itself under the European Union's microscope following its decision to terminate Epic Games’ developer account, blocking the gaming company from establishing its own app store for iPhone users in Europe. This move has reignited the ongoing feud between the two tech giants and raised concerns over potential violations of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Epic Games – the creator of popular game Fortnite – expressed outrage after Apple abruptly ended its...

7 March 2024 | App Stores

Epic Games wins monopoly case against Google

In a landmark decision, the jury in the Epic Games vs Google case has unanimously ruled that Google Play and the Play Billing service constitute an illegal monopoly.

The verdict comes three years after Epic Games initiated legal action against both Apple and Google, accusing them of maintaining unlawful app store monopolies.

The jury – after just a few hours of deliberation – affirmed that Google holds monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing...

12 December 2023 | Android

US Supreme Court upholds ‘anti-steering’ App Store rules

In a pivotal decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that Apple can maintain its current "anti-steering" rules within the App Store while its legal feud with Epic Games continues.

The decision, reported by Bloomberg Law, marks a significant development in the ongoing clash between the two industry giants.

At the heart of the matter are Apple's anti-steering rules, which prohibit app developers from redirecting users to external purchasing platforms for digital goods,...

10 August 2023 | App Stores

Apple and Epic Games ask appeals court to reconsider antitrust case ruling

Apple and Epic Games have requested that an appeals court reconsiders its ruling in the pair’s spat over App Store practices.

The ruling, which upheld a previous order from a California federal court, was the result of a lawsuit Epic Games filed against Apple.

Epic Games accused Apple of imposing unfair requirements on software developers, including high commissions on in-app purchases. 

While the trial judge determined that Apple did not violate US...

9 June 2023 | App Stores

Appeals court upholds majority of Apple’s App Store policies

On Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the majority of Apple’s App Store policies and security restrictions in the antitrust lawsuit against Epic Games.

The ruling reaffirmed that Apple’s App Store and its security measures did not violate antitrust laws. However, the court also found that Apple couldn’t maintain anti-steering policies that barred users from learning about alternative payment options.

The legal saga between Epic Games and Apple began...

25 April 2023 | App Stores