Apple reinstates Epic developer’s account two days after it was banned

Apple reversed course on its decision to ban an Epic Games developer’s account after it became clear that European Union officials were looking into the issue. The turnaround means that Epic will be able to provide its own iPhone and iPad app store in the EU. The publisher will also be able to bring more easily Fortnite back to those devices on the block, nearly four years after Apple pulled the game from the App Store over a fight over in-app purchases (a decision that sparked a protracted legal battle between the two sides).

“After discussions with Epic, they have committed to complying with the rules, including our DMA [Digital Markets Act] policies,” an Apple spokesperson told Engadget. “As a result, Epic Sweden AB was allowed to re-sign the developer agreement and was accepted into the Apple developer program.”

“Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account,” Epic writes in an updated blog post. “This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act quickly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold watchdogs accountable.” We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Forward!”

Apple terminated an Epic developer’s account earlier this week, claiming that Epic was unlikely to honor related contractual agreements. Her lawyers described Epic as “verifiably untrustworthy”.

The sudden about-face certainly has nothing to do with reports that EU regulators planned to question Apple over the ban. Epic claims the decision is a “serious violation of the DMA.” Under this law, which just came into effect, Apple is required to allow third-party iOS app stores in the EU. However, Apple still forces companies that want to have their own iPhone app marketplace to follow its rules.

Also this week, the EU fined Apple almost $2 billion for suppressing third-party music streaming apps on the App Store by preventing them from telling consumers they could subscribe to their services elsewhere for less than if they register through iOS. It was the first fine imposed by the EU on Apple and the bloc’s third largest financial sanction to date. Apple is appealing the fine.

Given the even tougher penalties companies face for failing to comply with the DMA – up to 10 percent of their annual revenue – and the EU showing it is ready to use its power when necessary, it’s not too surprising , that Apple has given up on its latest marriage to Epic. Indeed, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said Apple backed out after a “rapid investigation by the European Commission.”