Apple Inc has decided to reinstate Epic Games Inc's developer account, allowing the Fortnite maker to proceed with its plan to establish its own app marketplace within the EU.
The reversal comes in the wake of pressure from EU regulators and marks a pivotal moment in the enforcement of the bloc's newly implemented Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Under the DMA, which took effect this week, major tech platforms such as Apple are required to allow alternative app marketplaces, effectively ending their exclusive control over app distribution.
Epic Games, in a statement, highlighted Apple's commitment to comply with the DMA.
“Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account,” the company said.
The game developer viewed this as a clear indication of the European Commission's readiness to ensure compliance with the DMA and to hold dominant players accountable.
This development follows closely on the heels of Brussels regulators' scrutiny of Apple's initial decision to ban Epic, hinting at the possibility of further fines against the tech giant.
Apple's initial ban of Epic Games Sweden's new account was a response to criticism from the video game maker's chief executive, Tim Sweeney, over Apple's DMA compliance efforts, which he labelled as inadequate.
Epic Games' ambition to launch its own app store in the EU is seen as a direct challenge to Apple's App Store, which until now, has been the sole gateway for apps on iOS devices.
This monopoly allowed Apple to levy a commission of 15 to 30 per cent on in-app purchases, a policy that has been a point of contention between app developers and Apple.
The conflict between Apple and Epic Games dates back to 2020, when Epic attempted to bypass Apple's payment system for in-app purchases, leading to a legal battle.
While Apple largely prevailed in court, it was ordered to allow developers more freedom to direct customers to external payment methods.
Apple's latest decision to reinstate Epic's developer account follows a brief period of escalated tensions, during which Apple had criticised the video game maker for its public denouncement of Apple's DMA compliance plans and had questioned Epic's willingness to abide by the rules.
Apple, in a statement acknowledging the reinstatement, emphasised that Epic had committed to adhering to the DMA regulations and other policies, leading to their acceptance back into the developer programme.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sucker%20Punch%20Productions%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%202%20to%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five types of long-term residential visas
Obed Suhail of ServiceMarket, an online home services marketplace, outlines the five types of long-term residential visas:
Investors:
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by investors who invest Dh10 million, out of which 60 per cent should not be in real estate. It can be a public investment through a deposit or in a business. Those who invest Dh5 million or more in property are eligible for a five-year residency visa. The invested amount should be completely owned by the investors, not loaned, and retained for at least three years.
Entrepreneurs:
A five-year multiple entry visa is available to entrepreneurs with a previous project worth Dh0.5m or those with the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Specialists
Expats with specialised talents, including doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, and creative individuals working in the field of culture and art are eligible for a 10-year visa, given that they have a valid employment contract in one of these fields in the country.
Outstanding students:
A five-year visa will be granted to outstanding students who have a grade of 95 per cent or higher in a secondary school, or those who graduate with a GPA of 3.75 from a university.
Retirees:
Expats who are at least 55 years old can obtain a five-year retirement visa if they invest Dh2m in property, have savings of Dh1m or more, or have a monthly income of at least Dh20,000.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
THE SPECS
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 680Nm
Price: Dh465,071
