Conflict escalates over newest CMA filing - Fortnite and Epic Games Store abstain from arriving on iOS in the UK by year's end
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating Apple's mobile platform under its Strategic Market Status (SMS) framework. The CMA has identified several issues with Apple's app store policies, including high commission rates, restrictions on developers steering users to alternative payment options, and limitations on interoperability [1][2][4].
Despite these concerns, the CMA has chosen not to require Apple to allow rival app stores, such as the Epic Games Store, on iOS devices. This decision has disappointed companies like Epic Games, which had been advocating for Fortnite and other apps to be available outside Apple’s App Store in the UK [3].
As a result, the Epic Games Store has not been approved for release on Apple devices in the UK under the CMA’s current SMS regulations. The CMA's focus is on enforcing fairer app review, better interoperability, and transparency, but alternative app store access remains off the table for now [3].
The CMA's regime on app store regulation is effectively on hold until 2026, with phased consultations and potential future measures planned [3][4]. This decision has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it allows Apple to maintain its monopoly on mobile, similar to Microsoft's alleged monopoly on Windows PCs and Apple computers if they banned stores like Epic Games Store, Steam, and others [5].
Interestingly, the European Union's Digital Markets Act has introduced competition through alternative stores on iOS devices, leading to the launch of the AltStore, Aptoide, and the Epic Games Store in Europe [6]. The ongoing battle between Epic and Apple is still happening, and some find it surprising that it has not been resolved yet [7].
The CMA's lack of clarity in allowing developers to steer customers to payment services outside of apps may lead to years of malicious compliance and no genuine restoration of market competition [8]. Epic Games announced in a statement that the CMA has done nothing to allow competing stores since concluding that the App Store and Google Play Store are parallel monopolies four years ago [9].
In conclusion, Apple remains highly regulated but retains control over its app store ecosystem in the UK, with no present mandate to allow competing app stores like Epic Games Store on its devices. The CMA’s latest regulatory approach centers on fairness and interoperability, rather than structural changes or forced third-party store access [1][2][3][4].
References:
- The Guardian
- TechCrunch
- CMA Roadmap
- CMA Statement
- Epic Games Statement
- EU Digital Markets Act
- The Verge
- The Register
- TechRadar
- The ongoing investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concerning Apple's mobile platform hints at possible future changes in the realm of gaming software and gadgets, particularly within the Windows 11 and Xbox ecosystems.
- Microsoft, the corporation behind Windows and Xbox, might find themselves under scrutiny similar to Apple's current situation, should they restrict smartphone apps like the Epic Games Store, Steam, and others on PCs.
- The lack of clarity from the CMA in enabling developers to direct users towards alternative payment services may result in disproportionate advantages for Microsoft and Apple, which potentially stifles technology innovation and growth.
- Amidst the ongoing dispute between Epic Games and Apple, legislative bodies such as the European Union, with its Digital Markets Act, are trying to enforce competition in the app store space for devices like Windows 11 and Xbox.
- As the CMA focuses on fairness and interoperability in their regulatory approach, it's essential for the tech industry, including Microsoft and Apple, to prioritize creating a level playing field that fosters growth and innovation in gaming, smartphones, and other technology sectors.
