Regulation too weak: Epic Games does not want to return to British iPhones
The British government is also taking action against Apple's market position – and that of Google. "Fortnite" maker Epic Games does not believe this is enough.
British flag.
(Image: Daniel AJ Sokolov)
Epic Games initially does not want to return to Apple's UK App Store with its hit shooter "Fortnite" – and is also criticizing the regulation of Android developer Google in the country. This emerges from a detailed blog post published by the games company on Wednesday. Similar to the EU Commission, the UK is attempting to regulate large app platforms. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for this. It has just concluded an investigation that lasted several months and declared Apple and Google to be companies with "strategic market status", which corresponds to the EU classification as gatekeepers. However, the CMA initially failed to specify whether Apple would have to allow so-called alternative app marketplaces, i.e. app store-like offerings from competitors on their own account, as is the case in the EU.
"If ever"
The CMA, writes Epic Games, has not decided to prioritize the opening of mobile ecosystems. "This is a missed opportunity to bring competition into a currently monopolized market and enable economic growth and more choice for consumers." In a free market, there needs to be "multiple [app] stores competing with each other". According to Epic, "the Epic Games Store in the UK could not be brought to iOS (if ever)".
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The same applies to a return of "Fortnite". This is now "uncertain". According to Epic Games, other countries are doing better. In addition to the EU, the games company mentions Brazil and Japan, where the return of "Fortnite" and the Epic Games Store is expected "later this year" on the iPhone. The CMA was asked to reconsider "its weak roadmap decisions".
Epic Games wants to settle its own accounts
Among other things, the CMA had decided to make a final decision in 2026. It will also investigate whether Apple should be forced to allow users to sideload –, i.e. install apps via the App Store –. It also remains unclear whether steering will be regulated in the UK.
Apple currently prohibits its app providers from taking certain steps to "redirect" users to their own payment channels, from which Apple does not earn any money. In its statement, Epic Games emphasized that the CMA is ignoring the fact that Apple is trying to continue earning money in Europe with new fees. The games company calls these "garbage fees" that undermine the Digital Markets Act.
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